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The air is getting cooler, kids are back in school, and before we know it, we’ll all be gathered for the holidays. But along with cozy sweaters and pumpkin everything, flu season is here, too.
Every year, many shrug it off and say, “It’s just the flu. It will go away on its own.” But the flu sends hundreds of thousands of people to the hospital annually. For young kids, grandparents, and anyone managing a chronic condition, just a “mere” flu can be serious.
Keep yourself and your loved ones healthy by getting your annual flu vaccinations! At
Rural Health Network, you’re always in compassionate, expert hands.
One Shot. All-Year Protection and Fun
Let’s clear something up: the flu is not the same as a bad cold. It’s an entirely different virus, and it hits your body much harder.
The flu (short for influenza) is a contagious illness caused by influenza viruses. Unlike a cold that might slow you down for a few days, flu symptoms can last for a week or more, bringing along high fever, body aches, extreme fatigue, and, in worst cases, pneumonia.
The flu spreads quickly, too, especially in close-knit communities like ours. A single cough, sneeze, or handshake is already enough to pass the virus from one person to the next.
While anyone can catch the flu, some people are more likely to get very sick from it. This includes:
These groups often have compromised or still-developing immune systems, which can lead to severe flu complications.
Getting care isn’t always easy. Hospitals can be miles away, and there might be fewer doctors or nurses available during flu season.
If you ever need assistance or want flu prevention tips, don’t hesitate to call
Rural Health Network. We work hard to make preventive care, like family flu shots, accessible for everyone. Together, we can bridge the gap and bring you quality care at an affordable price.
The flu virus changes nearly every year, which is why there is a need to develop vaccines to match it. That’s why next year’s seasonal flu protection has been updated to protect against multiple strains, including two A types (H1N1 and H3N2) and a B strain.
Even if it doesn’t change, your immune system definitely will. After you get vaccinated, your immune system will gradually weaken, and it needs a yearly boost to stay ready and protected.
The most meaningful part of getting that shot this flu season 2025 is that you’re doing something bigger than protecting yourself:
There’s still a lot of flu shot misconceptions floating around every season, and it can be hard to know what’s true. As your neighbors and healthcare partners, we’re here to set the record straight and address these flu shot myths.
“The flu shot gives you the flu.”
This is impossible. Flu shots are made from inactivated (or killed) viruses, which means they can’t cause the flu. You might feel sore, tired, or in some cases, have a fever, but that’s just your body building protection. It means it’s doing its job.
“The flu shot doesn’t even work.”
No vaccine is 100% effective, and the flu shot’s effectiveness is honest about that. But even so, getting vaccinated significantly reduces your risk of:
“I never get sick, so I don’t need it.”
We’re genuinely glad you’ve been healthy! But even if you are, you can still just as easily catch and spread the flu to someone whose body can’t fight it off easily.
The Benefits Go Beyond Avoiding the Flu
Getting your shots does more than just keep you from feeling sick for a week. The flu vaccine benefits you get create a ripple effect of good health all around you.
More Energy, Less Downtime
Annual flu season protection helps you stay on track, which means you have better days and more time to spend doing what makes you happy, whether that means visiting that new cafe down the street or taking that weekend trip you’ve been planning.
A Healthier School Year
For families with kids, the flu can be a revolving door of sniffles and missed school days. Vaccinated kids are more likely to enjoy a healthy flu season filled with smiles and laughter (and share it with everyone else).
Building Healthier Habits for Future Generations
When children see their parents and grandparents prioritizing preventive care, it teaches them that taking care of their health is normal and important. You’re modeling a proactive approach to wellness that they’ll carry into adulthood.
Peace of Mind, All Season Long
There’s something comforting about knowing you’ve done your part to stay healthy. With the flu shot checked off your list, you can brave the colder months with one less thing to worry about.
When it comes to your health, trust your friendly experts to make sure that getting your flu shots is easy, quick, and simple.
Trust in
Rural Health Network when it comes to you and your family’s health. When you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted by friendly faces who will bring you the expertise and quality care you deserve. We’ve been here through good times and challenging ones, and we’re committed to being your healthcare partner for the long haul.
So, don’t wait until the flu is already making its rounds through town. Make the call, book the appointment, and bring your family in. And remember, we’re right here with you.
Keep Yourself Safe This Flu Season
The ideal time is early fall (around September or October) before flu season peaks. But if you haven’t gotten yours yet, don’t worry! It’s still worth getting vaccinated later in the season since the flu can spread well into spring.
Yes! It’s perfectly safe to get your flu shot along with other vaccines, such as the COVID-19 or pneumonia vaccine. If you’re unsure which ones you need, your healthcare provider at Rural Health Network can guide you.
It takes about two weeks for your body to build full protection after the shot. It’s always best to get vaccinated before the flu activity rises, so you’re ready when the virus starts circulating in your community.
If you’re only dealing with mild symptoms like a runny nose or low-grade fever, it’s usually fine to get your flu shot. But if you’re feeling very unwell, it’s best to wait until you recover. When in doubt, check with your Rural Health Network provider first.
