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More than 30 million cases of flu occur annually in the United States. At Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, board-certified cardiologist John Terzian, MD, FACC, and the team provide flu shots for patients 12 and older to reduce the risk of contracting the flu or experiencing severe symptoms. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.
Flu Shot Q & A
What are flu shots?
Flu shots at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, are injections that often contain inactivated influenza viruses. They help you build antibodies to the flu, reducing the risk of becoming ill or having severe flu symptoms. The practice also provides a flu mist, containing a weakened live influenza virus, for individuals who would like to avoid injections.
What are the benefits of flu shots?
The advantages or receiving flu shots at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, include:
- Lower risk of contracting the flu
- Reduced symptom severity
- Fewer missed work days
- Fewer missed days of school
- Reduced risk of flu-related hospitalizations
Flu symptoms typically range in severity from mild to severe, sometimes life-threatening — particularly for people with weakened immune systems.
What are the symptoms of flu?
Examples of common flu symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Chills
- Fever
- Body aches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Cough
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
The flu is commonly caused by influenza A, B, or C. It spreads from person to person via water droplets in the air or touching shared surfaces (then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes). After being exposed to the flu virus, you may contract it within 1-4 days.
What should I expect when receiving a flu shot?
Getting a flu shot is a simple, fast process. Your provider simply injects an inactivated flu virus, often in your arm, using a very fine needle. You may feel a tiny pinch during the injection, but it lasts just a second. Afterward, there’s no downtime.
Who should get the flu shot?
Nearly everyone desiring to avoid the flu or severe flu symptoms is a candidate for a flu shot at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC. People with weakened immune systems and those at risk of flu-related complications, such as the elderly population, are particularly good candidates.
Are there any side effects?
Flu vaccines may or may not cause side effects. If you develop side effects after getting a flu shot, you may experience redness, swelling, or soreness at the site of the injection or mild flu-like symptoms — such as a low-grade fever, fatigue, headache, or muscle aches.
Schedule your annual flu shot at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.