Which Flu Shot Should I Get if I live in San Antonio, Texas?

While the COVID-19 pandemic that once swept the world has been slowing down, it’s essential to remain vigilant and mindful of other illnesses that may affect your health. For example, another contagious respiratory condition that may be of concern is the seasonal influenza virus, more commonly known as the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all six months and older receive a yearly influenza vaccination. In San Antonio, Texas, specifically, Metro Health provides flu shots to the public at no cost, intending to reduce influenza-related health complications. But which type of flu vaccine should you receive, exactly? In this quick, comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the different kinds of available flu shots and they’re recommended uses so that you can make an informed decision about which type best suits your needs. Plus, we’ll dive into essential information about the flu virus, its symptoms, and how to prevent it.

The Flu Virus

Also known as Influenza, the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the flu virus. It can cause mild to severe symptoms of fever, body aches, fatigue, and sore throat, and in some cases, lead to more severe complications such as pneumonia or even death (CDC). Like COVID-19, the flu can spread quickly, especially during the winter when colds and illnesses are most common: this is why it is best to get the flu vaccine before October begins.

Symptoms of the Flu

The severity of Influenza’s symptoms varies from person to person, but the most common symptoms include the following:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches

Some may even experience diarrhea or vomiting. However, it’s important to note that if your symptoms are severe or you’re experiencing difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

Why Get the Flu Shot?

History has proven how vaccines can help save lives; the flu shot is no exception. Here are some more reasons why you should get your flu shot this year:

The Flu Can Be Severe

Depending on the individual’s age, health status, and underlying medical conditions, the flu can cause serious complications or even death. So whether you’re part of the younger, healthy population or belong to a vulnerable group, it pays to be aware of the risks and protect yourself.

The Flu Can Interfere with Work and School

If you become ill with the flu, it can interfere with your work or school schedule for a few days. It can disrupt your routine and, in some cases, even lead to lost wages or decreased productivity.

Every San Antonio Citizen must Help Protect Others

Receiving the flu vaccine is beneficial not only for you and your family but also for everyone in your community. Vaccinating against the flu helps reduce the spread of Influenza and its complications, thereby helping protect those around you.

It’s Free

As mentioned, Metro Health‘s pop-up clinics in San Antonio offer free flu shots for all citizens six months old and above. You may want to skip the long lines or get tailored advice for your needs. Of course, you can always make an appointment at your go-to pharmacy, such as Pinecrest Pharmacy, which offers affordable and convenient flu shots.

The Flu Shot vs. COVID-19 Vaccine

“I already got the COVID-19 vaccine. Is it indispensable to get the flu shot too?”

The answer is yes! The COVID-19 and Flu vaccines are two separate vaccinations that protect from two completely different viruses. While the COVID-19 vaccine protects against the virus that causes COVID-19, the flu shot helps prevent Influenza and its complications.

Nonetheless, you can get your flu shot simultaneously as you get your booster for the COVID-19 vaccine. Thus, if you’ll be scheduling an appointment for one, it is recommended that you schedule both for more convenience and protection.

Nasal Spray vs. Intramuscular Flu Shots

Two main flu shots are available: intramuscular and nasal spray. The intramuscular shot is typically given as an injection into the muscle and is the more common of the two. On the other hand, the nasal spray is a live attenuated vaccine that can be given to people ages 2-49 who would otherwise be eligible for the intramuscular shot (CDC).

It is important to note that while both vaccines are effective, the intramuscular shot is usually more effective for people ages 65 and older. Therefore, this option is recommended for you if you belong to this age group.

Who Should Get the Flu Shot?

Every citizen of San Antonio, six months of age and older, are encouraged to get the flu shot before October begins. It is significant for people who are at high risk for developing flu-related complications, such as:

• Children younger than five years old
• Adults 65 years of age and older
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease

However, there may be some exceptions to this, such as those with severe egg allergies and other allergies related to the vaccine. While there are flu shots formulated for the said allergies, they may not be available in free clinics, so you may need to acquire them from a private pharmacy. In cases like these, it’s always best to consult your trusted pharmacist and inform them about your health condition.

Best Flu Shots for the Different Age Groups

Given that all flu shots administered in the US are quadrivalent or created to protect against four different Influenza strains, no single flu vaccine works better than others. However, not all shots are created equal for every age group.

For instance, the RIV4 (recombinant HA vaccine) is only recommended for people 18 years old and above, while the LAIV4 (live attenuated influenza vaccine) is only suitable for people between 2-49 years old (CDC). You can check out this 2022-2023 table of recommended flu vaccines by the CDC to know which one is best for you and the people in your family.

Get Your Flu Shot Now and Stay Protected!

The peaceful yet friendly atmosphere of the San Antonio community is something that we want to keep. That’s why it’s vital for us all to take the necessary steps toward ensuring our safety, and one of those is to get our flu shots before the cold season sneaks up on us.

So if you haven’t gotten your shot yet, now is the perfect time to do so! Talk to one of our professional pharmacists today, and we’ll help you curate the best immunization plan for you and your loved ones.