Each year between 5% and 20% of Americans are affected by influenza (also known as the flu). Flu season typically occurs from Fall to early Spring with the length and severity of the epidemic varying. You can typically tell it is flu season when you are surrounded by sneezing, coughing and runny noses! Want to avoid the flu this season? It might be time for your flu vaccine! What Are the Flu Symptoms?- Sore ThroatEach year the influenza virus adapts and changes, making it difficult to avoid and often widespread. New vaccinations are created each year to keep up with the adaptations and changes of the virus. This is done with the predictions of professional, federal health experts. The information provided will be used to create the appropriate vaccinations for the year. How Does the Flu Shot Work? Each year you should be receiving a flu vaccination. The shot works by prompting your immune system to produce influenza antibodies, which can help your body fight off the various flu strains which are present in your influenza vaccination. The full development of these antibodies can take about two weeks, making it important to get your flu vaccination before everyone starts getting sick! People often mistake the side effects of the flu vaccine for actually being sick; this, however, is not the case. The symptoms occurring are due to your body’s response to the vaccination and the process of building antibodies. These side effects can include:- Swollen/Tender/Red Injection Site- Low-grade Fever The vaccine symptoms are typically mild and will go away within a day or two. Want to protect you and your loved ones from the flu this season? Be sure to get your vaccination before the epidemic starts.