GLP-1 medications are not just “weight loss drugs.” These powerful medications, formally known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), offer many health benefits that go far beyond shedding pounds. Whether you’re considering these medications or just curious about how they work, this guide will help you understand their wide-ranging effects on your body.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 medications work by mimicking a hormone your body makes naturally. This hormone helps control blood sugar, makes you feel full faster, and slows down how quickly food moves through your stomach.

Popular GLP-1 medications include:

• Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
• Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)
• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)
• Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
• Exenatide (Byetta)

These medications were first approved to treat type 2 diabetes but are now also used to help people with obesity lose weight. They’re usually given as weekly or daily shots under the skin.

Blood Sugar Control Benefits

The main job of GLP-1 medications is to help manage blood sugar levels. They do this in several ways:

• They boost insulin release when blood sugar rises
• They reduce glucagon (a hormone that increases blood sugar)
• They slow down stomach emptying, which prevents blood sugar spikes after meals

For people with type 2 diabetes, these effects can mean better control of blood sugar levels and lower A1C (a measure of average blood sugar over time). Studies have shown that all 15 GLP-1 medications significantly reduce HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels compared to placebo.

Weight Management Benefits

One of the most well-known effects of GLP-1 medications is weight loss. They help people lose weight by:

• Making you feel full faster and longer
• Reducing appetite and food cravings
• Lowering your preference for high-calorie foods
• Slowing digestion so you feel satisfied longer

In clinical trials, people taking these medications lost significant amounts of weight. For example, in the STEP trials with semaglutide, participants lost up to 17% of their body weight over 68 weeks. In studies of tirzepatide, some people lost as much as 25% of their starting weight over 88 weeks.

Weight loss from GLP-1 medications isn’t just about looking different. It can help improve many weight-related health problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.

Heart Health Benefits

GLP-1 medications offer impressive benefits for heart health:

• They lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death
• They help reduce blood pressure
• They improve blood fat levels (like cholesterol and triglycerides)
• They reduce inflammation that can damage blood vessels

A 2024 study using statistical modeling to compare different diabetes medications found that GLP-1 medications came out on top for reducing the risk of major heart-related events and overall death risk.

Research has shown that semaglutide can reduce the risk of death from non-fatal heart attack or stroke by about 20%. This happens partly because of weight loss but also because these medications reduce ectopic fat (unhealthy fat around organs) and decrease inflammation.

Kidney Protection Benefits

GLP-1 drugs can help protect your kidneys in several ways:

• They promote sodium excretion (diuresis)
• They reduce protein in the urine (a sign of kidney damage)
• They help lower blood pressure, which reduces strain on kidneys
• They have anti-inflammatory effects that can protect kidney cells

Research has found that liraglutide reduced the risk of kidney disease progression by 26% in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It also reduced the risk of new-onset persistent macroalbuminuria (a marker of kidney damage).

These medications may be especially helpful for people with both diabetes and kidney problems. However, kidney function should be monitored by a doctor when taking these medications.

Brain Health and Neurological Benefits

Exciting research shows that GLP-1 medications may have impressive effects on brain health:

• They reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• They help protect against Parkinson’s disease
• They lower the risk of seizures
• They may reduce stroke risk and improve recovery after stroke
• They show benefits for Huntington’s disease in early studies

A January 2025 study from Washington University found that people taking GLP-1 medications had a decreased risk of neurocognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s. These medications seem to work by reducing brain inflammation, promoting brain cell growth and repair, and protecting neurons from damage.

The same study found that GLP-1 drugs also reduced the risk of addiction to substances like alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids. They appeared to help with impulse control and reward processing in the brain.

Behavioral and Mental Health Benefits

GLP-1 medications may offer surprising benefits for mental health:

• Reduced risk of substance use disorders
• Decreased suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors
• Lower risk of bulimia and eating disorders
• Reduced risk of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia

Researchers believe these benefits occur because GLP-1 receptors are found in brain areas involved in reward, addiction, and impulse control – the same areas that regulate appetite.

Sleep Apnea Improvements

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects many people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 medications can help:

• Weight loss from these medications reduces sleep apnea severity
• Studies show they can reduce the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) by 12-15 events per hour
• Tirzepatide reduced AHI by 48-56% compared to placebo

Since OSA is both a cause and consequence of other health problems, improving sleep breathing can create a cascade of health benefits.

Gastrointestinal Effects

GLP-1 medications have significant effects on the digestive system:

• They slow stomach emptying, increasing feelings of fullness
• They reduce gastric acid production
• They may help with inflammatory bowel diseases
• They enhance gut barrier protection
• They have anti-inflammatory effects in the digestive tract

While these effects help with weight loss and blood sugar control, they can also cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects are usually temporary and improve over time.

Safety Considerations and Side Effects

Like all medications, GLP-1 drugs have potential side effects:

Common side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (usually improving over time)
• Constipation
• Stomach pain or indigestion
• Injection site reactions (mild redness or itching)

Less common but more serious concerns include:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Kidney problems
• Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) in rare cases
• Joint and bone issues like arthritis and tendinitis

Researchers found no established link between GLP-1 medications and pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or thyroid cancer in large studies with years of follow-up.

These medications have a low risk of causing low blood sugar when used alone but may increase this risk when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Who Might Benefit Most from GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 medications might be right for you if you have:

• Type 2 diabetes that isn’t well-controlled with other medications
• Obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related health problems
• Cardiovascular disease or high risk for heart problems
• Early stages of kidney disease
• Sleep apnea

These medications are usually prescribed after trying lifestyle changes first, or alongside diet and exercise for best results.

Final Thoughts

GLP-1 medications offer remarkable benefits beyond just helping with weight loss and diabetes. They provide protection for your heart, kidneys, and brain while helping with metabolic health.

However, they aren’t magic pills – they work best when combined with healthy eating, regular physical activity, and good sleep habits. The side effects are typically manageable, and the risks are generally outweighed by the benefits for most people who need them.

If you think these medications might help you, talk with your healthcare provider about whether they’re appropriate for your specific situation. Together, you can decide if the benefits outweigh any potential risks for your unique health needs.

Remember that these medications are just one tool among many for improving health. The best approach combines medical treatments with lasting lifestyle changes for truly sustainable results.

Losing weight can be hard when diet and exercise don’t seem to work. Many people are now talking about GLP-1 medications that help with weight loss. These medicines can help you feel less hungry and lose more weight than with just diet and exercise alone. In this guide, we’ll explain what GLP-1 is, how it works, who can use it, and what to expect.

What Is GLP-1?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It’s a hormone your body makes in your gut. When you eat food, your body releases this hormone. GLP-1 helps in these ways:

• It tells your brain you’re full
• It slows down how fast food moves through your stomach
• It helps control your blood sugar

GLP-1 medications work like the natural hormone in your body. They help you eat less and feel full longer.

Types Of GLP-1 Medications

There are several GLP-1 medications that doctors can prescribe. Here are the main ones:

For Weight Loss:

• Wegovy (semaglutide)
• Zepbound (tirzepatide)
• Saxenda (liraglutide)

For Diabetes (sometimes used for weight loss):

• Ozempic (semaglutide)
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
• Trulicity (dulaglutide)
• Victoza (liraglutide)
• Rybelsus (oral semaglutide)

Most GLP-1 medications come as shots you give yourself once a week. Some, like Rybelsus, come as pills you take by mouth.

How Do GLP-1 Medications Help With Weight Loss?

GLP-1 medications help you lose weight in several important ways:

They Make You Less Hungry

When you take GLP-1 medications, you don’t feel as hungry between meals. Some people even forget to eat! This helps you eat less food without feeling hungry all the time.

They Make You Feel Full Faster

These medications make you feel full after eating less food. This means you might eat smaller meals and still feel satisfied.

They Slow Down Digestion

GLP-1 medications slow down how fast food moves through your stomach. This keeps you feeling full longer after meals.

They Help Control Blood Sugar

They help your body manage blood sugar better. When your blood sugar is stable, your body stores less fat and you have fewer cravings.

How Much Weight Can You Lose With GLP-1?

Most people lose about 10-15% of their starting weight within a year of taking GLP-1 medications. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, you might lose 20-30 pounds.

Some people lose even more weight – up to 20% of their starting weight with medications like tirzepatide (Zepbound).

Remember that results vary from person to person. Some people lose less weight, while others lose more.

Who Can Take GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 medications aren’t for everyone. Here’s who might be able to use them:

Adults With Higher BMI

You might qualify for GLP-1 weight loss medication if:

• Your BMI is 30 or higher, or
• Your BMI is 27 or higher and you have weight-related health problems

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a way to measure if your weight might affect your health.

People With Weight-Related Health Issues

If you have health problems related to weight, you might benefit from GLP-1 medications:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea
• Heart disease
• Fatty liver disease

People Who Have Tried Other Methods

GLP-1 medications are often prescribed for people who haven’t been able to lose enough weight with diet and exercise alone.

Who Should Not Take GLP-1 Medications?

These medications aren’t safe for everyone. You should not take GLP-1 medications if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers
• Have had pancreatitis
• Have severe kidney or liver problems
• Have a history of eating disorders

Always talk to your doctor about your health history before starting any new medication.

Side Effects Of GLP-1 Medications

Like all medications, GLP-1s can cause side effects. Most are mild and get better over time.

Common Side Effects

Many people have these side effects when they first start taking GLP-1 medications:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Stomach pain
• Feeling tired

These side effects usually go away after a few weeks as your body gets used to the medication.

Less Common But Serious Side Effects

Some rare but serious side effects need medical attention right away:

• Severe stomach pain that doesn’t go away (could be pancreatitis)
• Allergic reactions
• Gallbladder problems
• Kidney issues
• Low blood sugar (if you also take diabetes medications)

If you have any severe side effects, call your doctor right away.

How To Get The Best Results With GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 medications work best when combined with healthy habits. Here’s how to get the most benefit:

Eat Healthy Foods

Even though you’ll feel less hungry, the types of food you eat still matter:

• Eat plenty of protein (like chicken, fish, eggs, beans)
• Include vegetables and fruits
• Choose whole grains over processed foods
• Drink plenty of water

Stay Active

Regular exercise helps you lose more weight and keep it off:

• Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days
• Include both cardio (like walking) and strength training
• Start slowly if you’re new to exercise

Work With Healthcare Providers

For the best results:

• Keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor
• Consider working with a dietitian for meal planning
• Track your progress and any side effects

How To Get GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 medications require a prescription from a healthcare provider. Here’s how to get started:

Talk To Your Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss if GLP-1 medications are right for you. They will:

• Check your BMI
• Review your health history
• Discuss the benefits and risks
• Order any needed tests

Check Insurance Coverage

Not all insurance plans cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss:

• Call your insurance company to check coverage
• Ask about prior authorization requirements
• Look into savings programs from drug manufacturers

Consider Telehealth Options

If in-person appointments are hard to schedule, some healthcare providers offer virtual visits for GLP-1 prescriptions.

Cost Of GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 medications can be expensive. Here’s what to know about costs:

Without Insurance

Without insurance, GLP-1 medications can cost between $900-$1,350 per month.

With Insurance

With insurance coverage, your costs might be much lower, but it depends on your plan:

• Some plans cover with a copay of $25-$100 per month
• Many plans don’t cover these medications for weight loss
• Medicare does not cover GLP-1s for weight loss (only for diabetes)

Savings Programs

Most manufacturers offer savings cards or patient assistance programs that can help lower costs.

What Happens When You Stop Taking GLP-1?

It’s important to know what happens if you stop taking GLP-1 medications:

Weight Regain Is Common

Most people gain back some or all of their weight if they stop taking the medication.

Why? Your Hunger Returns

When you stop the medication, your appetite returns to its previous level, making it harder to eat less.

Long-Term Use May Be Needed

For many people, GLP-1 medications are not a short-term fix but a tool for long-term weight management.

Transition Strategies

If you need to stop the medication, work with your doctor on a plan to:

• Taper off slowly if possible
• Focus even more on healthy eating habits
• Increase physical activity
• Monitor your weight closely

Beyond Weight Loss: Other Benefits Of GLP-1

GLP-1 medications do more than just help with weight loss:

Heart Health Benefits

Recent studies show some GLP-1 medications can:

• Lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes
• Improve blood pressure
• Help with cholesterol levels

Blood Sugar Control

These medications help manage blood sugar, which is especially helpful for people with diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Quality Of Life Improvements

Many people report:

• More energy
• Less joint pain
• Better sleep
• Improved mood
• More confidence

Myths And Facts About GLP-1 Medications

Let’s clear up some common misunderstandings:

Myth: “GLP-1s Are Just Diet Pills”

Fact: GLP-1 medications work with your body’s own hormones and affect multiple systems, not just appetite.

Myth: “You Can Take GLP-1s For A Few Months And Be Done”

Fact: For most people, GLP-1s are tools for long-term weight management, not quick fixes.

Myth: “You Don’t Need To Diet Or Exercise While Taking GLP-1s”

Fact: Healthy eating and activity are still important for the best results.

Myth: “GLP-1s Work The Same For Everyone”

Fact: Results vary widely from person to person based on many factors.

The Future Of GLP-1 Medications

The field of GLP-1 medications is growing quickly:

New Medications In Development

Scientists are working on:

• New types of GLP-1 medications
• Pill forms that are easier to take
• Combinations with other hormones for better results

Wider Uses Being Studied

Researchers are looking at whether GLP-1s might help with:

• Addiction and cravings
• Fatty liver disease
• Heart failure
• Kidney protection

More Access In The Future

As more research shows the health benefits of these medications, they may become:

• More affordable
• Covered by more insurance plans
• Available to more people who need them

Final Thoughts

GLP-1 medications have changed how we treat weight problems. They work with your body’s own systems to help you eat less and lose weight. For many people who struggle with weight loss, these medications can be life-changing.

Remember that GLP-1s work best as part of a complete plan that includes healthy eating and regular activity. They’re not magic pills, but tools that can help you reach your health goals.

If you think GLP-1 medications might be right for you, talk to your doctor at Yorktown Health Vernon Hills. Our healthcare team can help you decide if these medications fit your needs and health history.

Weight loss is a journey, and having the right tools can make all the difference. With proper medical support and healthy habits, GLP-1 medications can help you achieve lasting results for better health.

Do you go to the doctor even when you feel good? You should! A yearly checkup, also called an annual physical, helps you stay healthy. Think of it like taking care of a car before it breaks down. In this article, we’ll talk about why these checkups are so important and what happens when you get one.

What Is An Annual Physical?

A yearly checkup is a special visit to your doctor when you’re not sick. During this visit, your doctor looks at your whole body to make sure everything is working well. Just like teachers check your work at school, doctors check your body to keep you healthy.

Who Needs A Yearly Checkup?

Everyone over 2 years old should get a yearly checkup! This includes:

• Kids and teens
• Adults who feel healthy
• Older adults
• People with health problems
• People without health problems

Your doctor at Yorktown Health Vernon Hills can help the whole family stay well with these important visits.

Why Your Yearly Checkup Is So Important

Find Problems Early

Sometimes your body can have problems before you feel sick. Your doctor knows how to spot these problems early. For example, high blood pressure doesn’t make you feel bad right away, but it can hurt your heart over time. Finding problems early makes them easier to fix!

Dr. Williams, a doctor who helps many patients, says: “An annual physical is like a routine car maintenance check. It helps us catch small problems before they become big ones.”

Track Your Health Over Time

Your body changes as you grow. Yearly checkups help your doctor see these changes. Think of it like marking your height on a wall – you can see how much you’ve grown! Your doctor keeps track of things like:

• Your weight
• Your blood pressure
• Your heart rate
• How well your body fights sickness

When your doctor sees you every year, they can tell right away if something changes.

Learn How To Stay Healthy

Your doctor doesn’t just fix problems – they help stop them before they start! During your yearly checkup, your doctor can:

• Talk about foods that help your body
• Suggest fun ways to move and play
• Help you sleep better
• Answer questions about staying healthy

This is like having a coach for your health who gives you tips to feel your best!

Get Your Shots

Shots, also called vaccines, help keep you from getting sick. Some shots work for a long time, but others need updates. Your doctor checks which shots you need at your yearly visit. This helps protect you from many illnesses.

Build A Friendship With Your Doctor

When you see the same doctor every year, they get to know you really well. This helps them take better care of you. Plus, if you get sick between checkups, you’ll already know your doctor and feel comfortable talking to them.

What Happens During A Yearly Checkup?

Are you wondering what will happen at your yearly checkup? Let’s walk through it step by step!

Talking About Your Health

First, your doctor will talk with you about your health. They might ask:

• How have you been feeling?
• Has anything changed since last year?
• Does anyone in your family have health problems?
• What foods do you eat?
• How much do you play and exercise?

Be honest with your doctor. They’re asking to help you, not to judge you!

Checking Your Body’s Signals

Next, your doctor will check some important signals that show how your body is working:

Blood Pressure Check

Your doctor puts a band around your arm that squeezes then relaxes. This shows how hard your heart works to move blood through your body. A good number is less than 120/80.

Heart Rate Check

Your doctor counts how many times your heart beats in one minute. This is your pulse!

Temperature Check

Your doctor takes your temperature to make sure you don’t have a fever.

Weight and Height Check

Your doctor measures how tall you are and how much you weigh. This helps them see if you’re growing well.

Looking at Different Parts of Your Body

Your doctor will look at many parts of your body:

• They look in your ears, nose, and throat
• They listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope
• They feel your tummy to check organs inside
• They look at your skin for any spots or rashes
• They check how well you move your arms and legs

Special Tests

Sometimes your doctor might ask for special tests to learn more about your health:

Blood Tests

A small amount of blood can tell your doctor a lot about your health! Blood tests can check for:

• Blood sugar levels (to check for diabetes)
• Cholesterol levels (to check for heart health)
• How well your body fights sickness

Urine Tests

Your doctor might ask you to pee in a cup. This can show how well your kidneys are working.

Talking About Your Questions

At the end of your checkup, your doctor will ask if you have any questions. This is a great time to talk about anything that worries you, like:

• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling sad often
• Pains in your body
• Questions about growing up

No question is silly – doctors have heard it all!

How To Get Ready For Your Checkup

Getting ready for your yearly checkup is easy! Here are some simple steps:

Make a List of Medicines

Write down any medicines you take. Include:

• Pills your doctor told you to take
• Vitamins
• Medicines you buy at the store without a doctor’s note

Think About Your Family’s Health

Ask your parents or grandparents if any health problems run in your family. Your doctor will want to know this.

Write Down Your Questions

If you have questions about your health, write them down before your visit so you don’t forget.

Know What to Wear

Wear clothes that are easy to take off and put back on. Your doctor might ask you to change into a paper gown for part of the exam.

When Should You Get Your Yearly Checkup?

Try to get a checkup once every year. Some people pick the same month each year, like their birth month, so they remember easily.

If you have health problems, your doctor might want to see you more often. That’s okay! More visits means more help staying healthy.

Why Annual Physicals Save Money

Getting a yearly checkup might cost a little money, but it saves a lot more money later! Finding and fixing small problems costs much less than treating big problems. Think of it like fixing a small leak in a boat before the whole boat sinks!

Most health insurance plans pay for yearly checkups because they know these visits help keep people healthy.

Special Checkups For Different Ages

As you grow, your checkups might change a little:

For Kids and Teens

• Check growth and development
• Make sure all shots are up to date
• Talk about school and friends
• Answer questions about growing up

For Adults

• Check for common adult health problems
• Talk about work stress
• Check for early signs of serious illness
• Talk about family planning

For Older Adults

• Check balance to prevent falls
• Make sure medicines work well together
• Check memory and thinking
• Talk about staying active and strong

What Your Yearly Checkup Cannot Do

A yearly checkup is very important, but it can’t do everything! It’s still important to:

• See your doctor when you feel sick
• Go to the dentist for teeth checkups
• See an eye doctor for eye checkups
• Tell your doctor if something feels wrong between checkups

Get Your Yearly Checkup at Yorktown Health Vernon Hills

At Yorktown Health Vernon Hills, our doctors care about keeping you healthy. Dr. Shawn George and Nurse Practitioner Chandni Patel Sheth are here to help with your yearly checkup.

We take care of people of all ages – from little kids to grandparents! Our friendly team will make sure your visit is comfortable and helpful.

Final Thoughts

Your yearly checkup is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy. It helps find problems early, teaches you how to stay well, and builds a good relationship with your doctor.

Don’t wait until you feel sick to see your doctor. Make your yearly checkup part of your health routine, just like brushing your teeth or eating vegetables!

Call Yorktown Health Vernon Hills today to set up your yearly checkup. Your future self will thank you for taking this important step to stay healthy and strong!

The flu makes many people sick every year. It can make you feel very bad with fever, cough, and body aches. But there’s good news! A simple flu shot can help keep you from getting sick. Let’s learn why getting a flu shot is so important for you and your family.

What Is The Flu?

The flu (also called influenza) is a sickness that spreads easily from person to person. It happens most often in fall and winter months. When you get the flu, you might feel:

• Fever or chills
• Cough and sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body and muscle aches
• Very tired
• Headaches

For most people, the flu makes them feel bad for a few days. But for some people—like older adults, very young children, pregnant women, and people with health problems—the flu can be very serious and even lead to hospital stays.

How The Flu Shot Works

The flu shot is a type of medicine called a vaccine. It helps your body fight off the flu virus if you come in contact with it.

Your Body’s Shield

When you get a flu shot, it teaches your body how to spot and fight the flu virus. This is how it works:

1. The shot has tiny, harmless pieces of flu virus
2. Your body sees these pieces and makes “fighters” called antibodies
3. These antibodies remember what the flu looks like
4. If the real flu virus enters your body later, your antibodies attack it before you get sick

It takes about two weeks after getting the shot for your body to build up this protection. That’s why doctors say to get your flu shot before flu season starts.

Top Benefits Of Getting A Flu Shot

Keeps You From Getting Sick

The biggest reason to get a flu shot is to avoid getting sick with the flu. Studies show the flu shot can lower your chance of getting the flu by 40-60% when the vaccine matches the viruses going around.

During the 2019-2020 flu season, flu shots prevented about:

• 7 million flu illnesses
• 3 million doctor visits
• 100,000 hospitalizations
• 7,000 deaths

That’s a lot of people who stayed healthy because of a simple shot!

Makes The Flu Less Bad If You Do Get Sick

Even if you still get the flu after having your shot, it will likely be much milder. Research shows:

• Vaccinated adults who got the flu had 26% lower risk of needing intensive care
• They also had 31% less risk of dying from flu
• Vaccinated people spent about 4 fewer days in the hospital
• Children who got flu shots had 75% less risk of life-threatening flu

Protects People With Health Problems

The flu shot is extra important for people with ongoing health issues like:

• Heart disease (can lower risk of heart problems)
• Asthma and COPD (helps prevent flare-ups)
• Diabetes (fewer hospital stays from complications)

For these people, the flu shot doesn’t just prevent the flu—it helps keep their other health problems from getting worse.

Keeps Pregnant Women And Babies Safe

When a pregnant woman gets a flu shot, it protects both her and her baby:

• Cuts the mother’s risk of flu-related breathing problems in half
• Lowers her chance of being hospitalized with flu by 40%
• Protects the baby for several months after birth, when they’re too young for their own flu shot
• Reduces babies’ risk of flu by one-third in their first 6 months
• Cuts babies’ risk of flu-related hospital visits by half

Helps Stop The Flu From Spreading

When you get a flu shot, you protect more than just yourself. You also help keep the flu from spreading to others, including:

• Family members
• Friends
• Coworkers
• People who can’t get the flu shot for medical reasons
• People who might get very sick from the flu, like babies and older adults

This is called “community protection” and it’s one of the most important benefits of getting your flu shot.

Who Should Get A Flu Shot?

Almost everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot each year. It’s extra important for:

High-Risk Groups

• Adults over 65 years old
• Children under 5 years old, especially those under 2
• Pregnant women
• People in nursing homes
• People with health conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or weak immune systems
• Healthcare workers
• Caregivers of high-risk people

Children’s Flu Shots

Young children may need two flu shots their first time getting vaccinated. This helps their bodies build strong protection. Check with your doctor about what’s right for your child.

When To Get Your Flu Shot

The best time to get your flu shot is before flu season starts. In the United States, flu season usually runs from October to May, with most cases happening between December and February.

Try to get your shot by the end of October. But even if you miss this time, it’s still helpful to get it later. Any protection is better than none!

Common Questions About Flu Shots

“Can the flu shot give me the flu?”

No, the flu shot cannot give you the flu. The shot does not contain live virus that can make you sick. Some people may have mild side effects like soreness where they got the shot or slight fever that lasts a day or two. These are signs your body is building protection, not that you have the flu.

“Why do I need a new flu shot every year?”

You need a new flu shot each year for two big reasons:

1. Flu viruses change quickly, and each year’s shot is updated to protect against the most common types expected that season
2. Your protection from the vaccine gets weaker over time

Getting a yearly shot gives you the best protection against current flu viruses.

“I’m healthy, so do I really need a flu shot?”

Yes! Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu. Also, getting vaccinated helps protect others who might get seriously ill if they catch the flu from you.

“Does the flu shot work right away?”

No, it takes about two weeks after getting the shot for your body to build up protection against the flu. That’s why it’s best to get vaccinated before flu season starts.

Other Ways To Stay Healthy During Flu Season

The flu shot is your best protection, but these habits also help keep you healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
• Clean things you touch a lot, like doorknobs and phones
• Stay away from sick people when possible
• Stay home when you’re sick

Where To Get Your Flu Shot

Getting a flu shot is easy! You can get one at:

• Your doctor’s office
• Local pharmacies
• Health clinics
• Many workplaces
• Some schools

At Yorktown Health Vernon Hills, we make getting your flu shot simple and quick. Our caring doctors and nurses are ready to help protect you and your family from the flu.

Final Thoughts

The flu shot is a safe, easy way to protect yourself and others from the flu. It helps keep you from getting sick, makes the flu less severe if you do catch it, and protects people around you who might get very sick from the flu.

Remember, flu viruses change every year, so last year’s shot won’t protect you this year. Make the flu shot part of your yearly health routine, just like regular check-ups and dental visits.

Don’t wait until people around you are getting sick! Call Yorktown Health Vernon Hills today to schedule flu shots for your whole family and stay healthy this flu season.