Thinking about skipping the flu shot this year? You may want to think again. It’s almost time for sweaters, scarves, hot chocolate and holidays. That means flu season is here, too.

Get Your Flu Shot From American Family Care

Flu season typically has two peaks, and the first is imminent. American Family Care saw positive flu cases throughout the summer, and it seems the flu is coming again. While A strain cases of the flu typically peak in December and last through March, B strain cases typically hit in the fall or in late spring. However, the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) notes that influenza activity can last as late as May.

Harvard, health, flu, shot, virus, influenza, Birmingham, Alabama — Via Harvard Health

Who Needs The Vaccine?

The CDC urges everyone six months of age and older to get a flu vaccine every year. This recommendation is particularly important to high-risk individuals. High-risk individuals include those who have other illnesses because their immune system has already been compromised. If a high-risk individual develops influenza, their illness could become life-threatening. Children and senior citizens also have a greater risk of developing serious illness from influenza.

According to the CDC, flu-related hospitalizations since 2010 ranged from 140,000 to 710,000, while flu-related deaths are estimated to have ranged from 12,000 to 56,000. During flu season, flu viruses circulate at higher levels in the U.S. population.

Time Is Money

Getting sick takes a lot out of you, especially when it comes to missing work. Check out this Bureau of Labor Statistics study that shows the notable spike in illness-related work absences each year during flu season.

Don’t Get Well Soon, Stay Well Now

Avoid getting sick, and get that flu shot. At American Family Care, you don’t even have to make an appointment. Just stop by any American Family Care in the Birmingham-metro area, and we’ll take care of you. To find an American Family Care location, follow this link.

About American Family Care

Since the first American Family Care medical clinic opened in Hoover over 30 years ago, more than 40 AFC centers have been opened across the state of Alabama. It’s no surprise that residents have made American Family Care their top choice for urgent care, family care and occupational health services. American Family care considers the Birmingham-Metro area home, with its corporate headquarters located at 3700 Cahaba Beach Rd. Founded by Dr. Bruce Irwin with a single location in 1982, American Family Care has pioneered the concept of non-emergency room urgent care. With its 2013 acquisition of the Doctors Express franchise, AFC has become the nation’s leading provider of urgent care, accessible primary care, and occupational medicine, with more than 180 clinics and 600 in-network physicians caring for nearly 3 million patients a year.