Fall is here, have no fear! The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and the flu virus is advancing. While this season brings family time and pumpkin spice, it also signals the start of something less nice: flu season.
A Personal Note from Dr. Sophia Rahman

Every year, the flu makes its rounds and affects millions of people. But we’re here to give you the good news… You can take one simple step to help protect yourself and your loved ones by getting your annual flu shot. At Dr. Sophia Rahman’s clinic in Plano, TX, we encourage our patients to make vaccination part of their fall routine, right alongside sweater weather.

Flu Shot Facts: Why Bother?

Flu vs. Cold 🥶

Influenza (Flu) isn’t “just a bad cold.” It can cause high fevers, body aches, exhaustion, and serious complications like pneumonia. For young children, older adults, and peoplevwith chronic health conditions, the flu can even be life-threatening. It is imperative to take caution where you can.

Herd Immunity 🐄

When you get vaccinated, you’re not just protecting yourself, you’re also helping shield everyone around you, including babies, the older relatives such as grandparents and even your closest friends with weaker immune systems. It’s like wrapping your whole community in a cozy blanket of protection.

New Season, New Strains 🦠

The influenza virus changes every year, which is why last year’s shot isn’t up to date in protection for you this season. Each year, scientists update the vaccine to match the strains most likely to spread. Staying up to date is the key!

Common Myths, Cancelled.🚫 “The flu shot gives you the flu.”

Nope! In fact, the vaccine cannot give you the flu. At most, you might feel mild soreness in your arm or a little tired, telltale signs that your immune system is building its ability to fight.

🚫 “I’m healthy, so I don’t need it.”

Healthy people can catch the flu and spread it to others. Vaccination keeps you from being the one who unknowingly passes it along at the table during those fall events, don’t be that person!

🚫 “It’s already late in the season, so why bother?”

Flu season can last all the way into spring, so it’s never too late to get your shot. The sooner, the better—but protection at any point still makes a difference.

Timing is Essential ⏱

The best time to get your flu shot is early fall, preferably September through October, before flu symptoms and cases hit their peak. But if you’re reading this later in the season, don’t fret! It’s never too late to fall into protection.

Warm Up to Wellness 🤗

Think of your flu shot as a vital addition to your health:

• A flu shot is like a favorite sweater, layering up your immune system with protection
• It’s like a dash of cinnamon in your coffee, making the season feel a little safer and full of comfort.
• And it’s like sweeping up the yard, removing what doesn’t belong so you can breathe easier.

Preparing to “Leaf” the Flu Behind? 🍃✋

At Sophia Rahman, MD, we’re dedicated to keeping you healthy year-round. Whether

we’re getting ready for holiday travel, welcoming family from afar, or simply enjoyingyour season, we have just what you need for your wellness. Our team provides a wide

range of primary care and aesthetic services designed to support your unique needs, so

you can focus on what matters most, embracing the joys of the season with peace of mind.

👉 Don’t wait until coughs and sniffles creep up behind you. Schedule your flu shot and

keep your seasons filled with comfort, laughter, and good health.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’ve been feeling stuck or like your body “isn’t responding,” it may be time to look deeper. Your annual checkup is the perfect starting point — not just to assess where you are, but to plan for where you want to go.

Schedule Your Checkup with Dr. Sophia Rahman

Let’s build something long-term — grounded in science, compassion, and culture.