This is the season for joy, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones. But as the holiday season approaches, it is also important to protect yourself and your family from the flu.
What is Flu? Influenza (flu) is a contagious viral illness. Anyone can get the flu. It spreads from one person to another by droplets and airborne particles the virus is attached to through coughing and sneezing.
Symptoms start suddenly, are often more severe than a “common cold”, and usually last for 3-5 days. They include fever, headache, sore throat, cough, runny nose, body aches, and often extreme tiredness.
Did you know? Thousands of vulnerable people die from influenza globally each year.
Influenza Vaccination
Flu vaccination is normally given as an injection. It contains three or four strains of inactivated (killed) influenza viruses. Protection begins about two weeks after vaccination and lasts throughout the flu season.
The flu virus constantly changes, so there is a new vaccine developed and available every year to match these changes in the virus. Anyone (except those under 6 months old and for whom vaccination is contraindicated) who wants to reduce their risk of flu should consider an annual vaccination.
Flu vaccination is especially important for the following people, as they are more likely to suffer serious complications from an infection:
- Young children;
- Adults over 65 years old;
- Anyone with a chronic medical condition, including diabetes, heart, or lung disease;
- Pregnant women.
To help protect your loved ones from infection, anyone in close contact with those listed above should be vaccinated. Your doctor can advise whether vaccination is suitable for you.
Possible Side Effects
The vaccines are safe and, usually, without issues. However, after your vaccination, you need to stay close by for 15 minutes in case you have a reaction.
It is common to develop some mild soreness, swelling, and redness at the injection site. It settles on its own after 1-2 days. Mild fever, tiredness, and muscle aches are also fairly common and can last one or two days. This is not the flu, even if symptoms can imitate some mild forms of the symptoms.
Serious side effects, such as hives, swelling of the face, wheezing, and life-threatening allergy (anaphylaxis), are rare. If they do happen, it is within minutes or hours of receiving the vaccine. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor for further consultation.
Influenza can be a serious disease. Vaccination is an effective and safe way to reduce your risk of getting flu and spreading it to others.
Let’s get vaccinated!