While no one relishes the thought of getting the flu, this virus plagues numerous people each year. Flu shots can be valuable tools when it comes to combating the flu virus, yet many people don't take advantage of the benefits a flu shot can provide.

Here are three reasons why you should consider investing in a flu shot to protect yourself against illness in the future.

1. A flu shot can help prevent you from becoming a carrier.

Many people avoid investing in a flu shot because they simply don't feel the need to protect themselves. If you are the type of person who hardly becomes ill, you might not see the value in getting a flu shot.

The fact of the matter is that even though you might never experience the symptoms associated with the flu virus, you could still be a carrier. Having your family doctor give you a flu shot is a simple and effective way to ensure that you aren't inadvertently spreading the flu virus to others you may come into contact with throughout the day.

2. A flu shot could help you save money.

In addition to the discomfort that you may feel when coming down with the flu, you might also feel the pain financially when recovering from this virus.

Americans miss more than 70 million days of work as a result of the flu. If you have to take time off from your job because you are ill, you could lose out on wages or earned benefits. To ensure that the flu virus doesn't end up costing you a significant amount of money over time, invest in a flu shot to protect yourself against this virus in the future.

3. A flu shot could provide other health benefits.

When you are deciding whether or not to invest in a flu shot, it can be helpful to consider the other health benefits these shots can provide. New medical studies show that there may be a connection between heart attacks and the flu shot.

Experts observed that the flu vaccine was effective in reducing the risk for heart attack. In fact, this risk was reduced by nearly 30%. Viewing a flu vaccine as a tool to help you better maintain your cardiovascular health can help you see the value in investing in a flu vaccination in the future.

There are many reasons why you should ask your family doctor for a flu shot. If you want to prevent the spread of disease, save money, and reduce your risk of heart attack, invest in a flu shot in the future. Contact a clinic, like Burnsville Family Physicians, for more help.