Flu Season Reminder

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Getting vaccinated before the holidays is important to keep yourself safe from the bugs and viruses that tend to spread with travel.

The CDC urges people ages 6 months and older to get an updated flu vaccine every year because it's your best defense to protect yourself against the virus.

"It takes two weeks for the flu shot to become fully active. It's a relatively painless shot with hardly any side effects, maybe a slight headache, maybe some muscle pain. But most people don't have any side effects from the flu shots. So we really recommend that you come and get them as soon as possible before the traveling starts," said Laura Gould, owner of a Local Rx Express Pharmacy and pharmacist.

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Influenza is constantly mutating, creating new ways to attack your body's defenses. So, it's important to get the most updated shot.

"The CDC recommended all the shots be trivalent. They're effective against two influenza a's and one influenza b, and that's very important that we get these people everybody inoculated or vaccinated so that they don't spread the disease or that at least they have defense against someone coming into town with the flu," said Gould.

Some people may be hesitant about the side effects of the shot.

"The benefits outweigh the risk of getting the shot. And I would highly recommend it for anybody, especially if they are around the elderly or young people. We have had no reports of these shots making people sick this year also," reiterated Gould.

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In addition to getting your flu shot, you can protect your body by practicing healthy habits. Make sure you wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer. And avoid touching your face throughout the day.

Remember keeping yourself healthy helps keep those around you healthy as well.

Gould says the flu shot is free at Rx Express pharmacy with insurance. The pharmacy accepts walk-ins.