It’s the great autumn debate – to get a flu vaccination or not. It’s time to learn more, before the flu virus comes knocking on your office door.
What is flu anyway?
Influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system, i.e. your nose, throat and lungs. Many people just let the virus run its course but sometimes flu complications can be deadly. With new strains and strengths of viruses many people are now choosing to vaccinate every season.
Who is at high risk of developing flu complications?
Young children under five years, especially those under two years
Adults older than 65 years
Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
Pregnant women
People with weakened immune systems
People who have chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes
People who are very obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher.
When is the best time to vaccinate?
The flu vaccine usually becomes available around March/ April, which is the best time to vaccinate before the virus spreads and you catch the flu. Even if you miss this optimal period, you can still get vaccinated at any time during the winter season.
Flu shot
What is it? The jab contains an inactivated vaccine made up of a killed virus.
What happens? Because the viruses are killed (inactivated), the shot won’t cause you to get the flu, but it will enable your body to develop the antibodies necessary to ward off influenza viruses.
Who can get it? Anyone aged six months or older. Children between six months and eight years may need two doses of a flu vaccine, given at least four weeks apart, to be fully protected. Please check with your child’s healthcare provider before they are vaccinated against the flu.
How is it administered? It is usually done via a needle jab into a muscle in the arm.
Possible side effects: You may experiencemuscle ache and fever for a day or two after receiving a flu shot. This may be a side effect of your body’s production of protective antibodies.
Who should NOT get a flu vaccine?
If you are allergic to eggs: Some flu vaccines contain a tiny amount of egg proteins. If you have an egg allergy or sensitivity, you may be able to have a flu vaccine but you might need to wait in the doctor’s office for at least 30 minutes after vaccination in case you react.There are also flu vaccines that don’t contain egg proteins. Consult your doctor about options.
If you had a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccine. In this case, check with your doctor first. Some reactions might not be related to the vaccine.
Why do we vaccinate every year?
Flu viruses are constantly adapting and changing. This means that last year’s vaccine may not protect you from this year’s viruses. New flu vaccines are released every year to keep up with these changes.
Why did I still catch the flu even after a vaccine?
There are a few reasons this could happen or appear to happen:
Two-week window period: It takes two weeks for the body to develop antibodies after the flu shot has been given. If you’re exposed to a flu virus shortly before or during this window period, you could catch the flu.
Mismatched flu virus: In some years, the influenza viruses used for the vaccine don’t match the viruses circulating during the flu season. This will make the flu shot less effective but it will still offer some protection.
Other illnesses: Many other diseases (like the common cold) produce symptoms that appear similar to the flu. So you may think you have the flu when you actually don’t.
Resources
Webmd.com
Mayoclinic.org
This article contains opinions and facts and references to other information sources. You should always consult a registered healthcare professional for any personal advice.
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