What is Influenza?
Influenza, commonly known as the
flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times lead to death. The flu is different from a cold and usually comes on suddenly. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue.
Why is Influenza Vaccination Important?
The flu can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, older adults, and individuals with certain chronic health conditions. Annual influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications. The
WHO and the
CDC recommend that everyone aged 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year.
How do Influenza Vaccines Work?
Influenza vaccines, also known as flu shots, stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the flu virus. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine. Most flu vaccines are quadrivalent, meaning they protect against four different flu viruses: two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.
Types of Influenza Vaccines
There are several types of flu vaccines available:Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. However, it is especially important for certain groups who are at higher risk of complications from the flu, including:
Children aged 6 months to 5 years
Pregnant women
People aged 65 and older
People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease
Healthcare workers and caregivers
When to Get Vaccinated?
Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October. However, getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season.
Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccines
The effectiveness of flu vaccines can vary from year to year and among different age and risk groups. Factors that influence effectiveness include the match between the vaccine viruses and the circulating viruses, as well as the recipient’s age and health status. Even when the vaccine does not perfectly match the circulating strains, it can still provide significant protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.Side Effects of Influenza Vaccines
Flu vaccines are generally safe. Common side effects are mild and include soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, and muscle aches. The
LAIV nasal spray may cause mild symptoms such as a runny nose, headache, sore throat, and cough. Serious side effects are rare.
Myths and Facts about Influenza Vaccines
There are many myths about flu vaccines that can lead to confusion and hesitation. Here are some common myths and the facts that dispel them: Myth: You can get the flu from the flu vaccine. Fact: The flu vaccine cannot cause flu illness. The viruses in the vaccine are either inactivated (killed) or attenuated (weakened).
Myth: Flu vaccines are not effective. Fact: While no vaccine is 100% effective, flu vaccines significantly reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.
Myth: Healthy people do not need to get vaccinated. Fact: Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others who are more vulnerable.
Conclusion
Influenza vaccination is a crucial public health measure that protects individuals and communities from the potentially severe effects of the flu. Annual vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, with particular emphasis on those at higher risk of complications. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also help to reduce the spread of the flu virus within your community.
