Flu Vaccination. Why It’s Important and What Do You Need to Be Aware of?

Flu is an acute viral disease transmitted by airborne droplets. The main symptoms are severe headache and muscle pain, sore throat, cough, chills, high fever. Usually, the disease does not last long (5-10 days) and ends with recovery. But sometimes the disease can last much longer and cause serious complications that can be fatal.

The flu virus is highly volatile. That is why a vaccine is developed and created. The vaccine uses an inactivated (killed) vaccine, so you cannot get the flu after being vaccinated. It does not protect 100% against the flu, but it minimizes both the likelihood of illness and the possibility of complications. In addition, vaccination facilitates the course of the disease.

The influenza vaccine is recommended by the World Health Organization as the only way to protect yourself from the virus by building powerful immune defences for your body.

How does it affect your immune system?

In response to a vaccine – the body produces a large number of antibodies, which, when they meet a real virus, are activated and quickly destroy it. If a person is vaccinated every year for 10 years, then his immunity is constantly on “alert”. Antibodies simply do not allow it to “forget” about the possible danger.

Large studies were carried out, as a result of which it was found that the result of vaccination is 40–70% of “protection” against influenza and 40–50% from other acute respiratory viral infections.

Who should be definitely vaccinated?

The vaccination is recommended for anyone who does not want to get the flu. However, there is a category of people to whom it is shown in the first place. Children over 6 months of age, children attending preschool educational institutions, and (or) staying in organizations with permanent residence (orphanages, children’s homes). Pupils and people over 60 years old. Adults and children suffer from chronic diseases of the lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, diabetes mellitus. People with a weakened immune system, for example, HIV-infected, also those who have taken steroid medications for a long time. Pregnant women (second and third trimester only). Medical institutions employees. Employees of the service sector, transport, and educational institutions.

When it’s the best time to get the vaccination?

The best time is October, November. Immunity to the influenza virus is developed as early as 10-14 days after vaccination. Therefore, you can get vaccinated in December, as the epidemic can break out at any time from December to March. For most people, one vaccination per year is sufficient.

What are the contraindications?

If you have a fever, it is best to wait until it subsides before getting the vaccine. Vaccination is contraindicated in people who are allergic to the vaccine or to any components of the vaccine. Flu vaccination is contraindicated in children under 6 months of age. After mild acute respiratory infections, intestinal infections, etc. vaccinations can be done immediately after the temperature drops. Residual runny nose and cough after acute respiratory infections are not contraindications.

After vaccination, there may be a slight increase in temperature – up to 37.5 degrees, redness of the skin at the injection site, and slight weakness. This is a common reaction to any vaccine or vaccine, including the flu.

Remember before any vaccination you should consult the doctor. If you don’t have any contradictions then just visit the Lloyd’s Pharmacy website to get your appointment for flu vaccination.

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