Perhaps you got a gift you didn’t ask for this holiday season in the form of the flu, or maybe you’ve just heard of several friends and family members who have been taken down by it so far this winter. If the flu hasn’t found you yet this year, it’s unfortunately not time to let your guard down just yet – you still might have to contend with it.

After all, this year’s flu season has already resulted in the highest number of patients in three decades. We always recommend getting the flu shot to reduce the risk of both contracting and spreading the virus, and the current vaccine is certainly protective in many cases. But this year’s vaccine is proving to be less effective than usual at keeping the flu at bay. That’s due to a mutation in the most common flu strain that helps it bypass the immunity given by the vaccine.

Importantly, even if the vaccine doesn’t prevent you from contracting influenza, it may very well keep you from landing in the hospital as a result. Most of the patients hospitalized for the flu are unvaccinated.

If you haven’t yet received the flu vaccine, it’s not too late to do so. Even though your body needs a couple of weeks to build immunity after receiving the vaccine, it’s helpful to have that added boost for your immune system even this late in the season, especially knowing how rampant the flu is this year.

With a more prevalent flu season than usual, it’s helpful to have a game plan in mind if you end up contracting the virus. At the first signs of the flu, come see us at Pinnacle Urgent Care. (Common flu symptoms include fever/chills, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, body aches, and tiredness.) We can get you tested for the flu and start early treatment, which can help cut the time you’re sick short. (Because no one wants to deal with the flu any longer than they have to – trust us.)