Top 3 reasons for Getting a Flu Shot

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), influenza (flu) and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Flu is caused by influenza viruses only, while the common cold can be caused by a number of different viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronaviruses. Colds and flu share many symptoms, so it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone.

Cold symptoms are usually milder than flu. Special tests can tell if a person is sick with flu. And another key difference is: there is no vaccination against the common cold, but you can minimize your risk of getting the flu, and help the onset be milder if you do contract the flu.

The Benefits of Getting Your Flu Shot

Since the influenza virus is continuously changing, a brand new influenza vaccine becomes available through your doctor’s office every fall. Getting the influenza vaccine now is a great idea, because it will significantly reduce your chances of catching the flu. In fact, the CDC recommends Fall as the ideal time to get vaccinated, and the cost is usually covered by your insurance.

Here are some of the best reasons for getting your flu shot this year.

1. Flu vaccination can keep you from getting sick with flu.
Flu vaccines prevent millions of illnesses each year. For example, as of late 2025 the CDC estimates that the 2024-2025 flu season had at least 47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 27,000 deaths from influenza. Flu vaccines can lower the need to go to the doctor’s office by 40-60%.

2. Flu vaccination lowers the severity of illness.
Although vaccinated people may still get sick, their illness is usually much milder, and studies show 31% lower risk of death from flu compared with those who were unvaccinated.

3. Flu vaccination can help safeguard people with chronic conditions.
Flu vaccination lowers the risk of a flu-related worsening of chronic lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Flu can also put people with diabetes or heart disease at greater risk of being hospitalized.

Derek Williams, MD speaks for many Providence Medical Associates physicians when he says, “I have seen too many patients hospitalized from the flu. I get my flu shot every year to protect not only myself but my patients and family. I hope through my actions, it can help inspire families to also vaccinate to protect their loved ones and the community.”

Please protect yourself and your loved ones by scheduling a flu shot today.