A Guide from All Care Medical Direct Primary Care in Salem, NH
Flu season arrives every year, bringing with it a higher risk of illness, missed work, and complications for vulnerable individuals. At All Care Medical Direct Primary Care in Salem, NH, we focus on prevention and proactive healthcare, and the annual flu shot remains one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your community.
Flu vaccines are safe, well-studied, and updated each year to match circulating strains. Understanding how they work and who benefits most can help you make informed choices to stay healthy during flu season.
Why Flu Shots Are Helpful
The flu vaccine reduces your risk of contracting the influenza virus and lowers the severity of symptoms if you do become ill. Benefits include:
- Lower risk of infection: Annual vaccines target the most likely flu strains for the season.
- Reduced severity: If you get the flu after being vaccinated, symptoms are typically milder and shorter in duration.
- Protection for vulnerable populations: Flu shots help shield infants, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with chronic conditions.
- Reduced community spread: When more people are vaccinated, it lowers overall transmission throughout Salem, NH and surrounding communities.
How Flu Vaccines Work
Flu vaccines contain inactivated or weakened versions of the influenza virus. These components trigger an immune response without causing illness. Once vaccinated, your immune system creates antibodies that recognize and fight the virus if you’re exposed later.
Each year, the vaccine is updated to match predicted flu strains, which is why annual vaccination is recommended. Immunity also declines over time, making yearly protection important.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
The CDC recommends flu vaccinations for everyone aged 6 months and older, with rare medical exceptions.
At All Care Medical, we particularly encourage vaccination for:
- Adults over 65
- Children under 5
- Individuals with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or chronic conditions
- Pregnant individuals
- Those with weakened immune systems
- Caregivers and individuals who work closely with others
- Students, teachers, and professionals frequently in group settings
Flu shots are especially important for those living or working in Salem, NH, where seasonal illnesses are common during fall and winter.
How Flu Shots Help During Flu Season
Getting vaccinated early in the season helps your body build immunity before flu activity peaks. Benefits during flu season include:
- Lowered chance of severe illness that leads to missed work or school
- Reduced strain on local healthcare systems
- Protection for your family and those around you
- Better overall community health in Salem, NH
Flu shots also help prevent more serious complications, such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and worsening of chronic medical conditions.
Direct Primary Care Makes Preventive Care Easier
As a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice in Salem, NH, All Care Medical makes preventive care simple and accessible. Members benefit from:
- Same- or next-day appointments
- More time with your provider
- Personalized preventive care plans
- Easy access to vaccinations, including flu shots
We take a proactive approach to your long-term health, and flu protection is an important part of that commitment.
Stay Protected This Flu Season with All Care Medical
Whether you’re managing a busy household, working long hours, or caring for loved ones, staying protected from the flu is one of the easiest steps you can take toward better health.
Our team at All Care Medical is here to help you stay healthy, informed, and supported all year long.