The influenza season starts in October and will continue throughout the fall and winter. There are more cases between December and February, and cases can continue well into May. It would be best to protect yourself before the peak in December. The first benefit of the flu shot is that researchers are continuously adapting to new flu viruses, so what protected us last year may not protect us this year. Once you are vaccinated, your body produces antibodies to protect you, so receiving the vaccine yearly allows the body to be protected against that year’s virus.   Individuals with chronic medical conditions should receive the vaccine to prevent these conditions from worsening. Health experts can determine which strains will be prevalent in the coming year and the year’s vaccine is based on that (usually up to three strains). Once you have the vaccine, your symptoms will be far less severe. When new strains develop, Influenza vaccines can reduce hospitalization. It has been reported that the vaccination prevents over one hundred thousand flu-related hospitalizations over the course of one year. Pregnant women need to get vaccinated as it not only protects them but also their infant for the first few months after birth. Getting vaccinated can also protect those around you. We are conveniently located at 1220 Eastway Drive Charlotte, NC 28205. For more information, please call us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Charlotte NC, Harrisburg NC, Concord NC, Mint Hill NC, Matthews NC, Belmont NC, Pineville NC, Kannapolis NC, Monroe NC, Gastonia, NC, and Mt Holly NC.