Duke Primary Care answers questions about the common flu and how you can prevent it.

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Podcast Transcript

Flu season is here and Duke Primary Care is here to help with answers to common questions about the flu.

What is the flu?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus that can be spread through coughing or sneezing -- and even by touching contaminated surfaces.

Why do I need a flu shot?

The season flu vaccine is the single best way to avoid getting the flu. It protects you and it also helps you protect your friends, family, and coworkers.

When should I get a flu shot?

To give your body the best chance of building immunity against the flu, it’s best to get vaccinated before peak flu season, which is usually between January and March.

It takes about two weeks for your body to fully build its defenses after receiving the vaccine.

Avoid the flu this year by making an appointment with a Duke doctor for a flu shot today.

Duke Primary Care offers flu vaccines in locations throughout the Triangle. And if you need a primary care physician, they can help you stay healthy the rest of the year, too.

Find a Duke doctor near you.