Should I Still Take The Flu Vaccination Shot – Pros & Cons
Every year a new strain of influenza emerges; a new vaccine protects us from this common and contagious flu-causing virus. The influenza virus causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and deaths each year, yet during the 2019-2020 period, vaccination prevented 7.5 million cases, 3.7 million doctor visits, 105,000 hospitalizations, and 6,300 influenza-associated deaths. Reducing between 40 to 60% of consultations for this disease.
What is influenza (The Flu)?
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. They infect the respiratory.
Anyone can become infected with the flu virus. The most common symptoms are:
- Headache.
- Muscle aches.
- Fatigue.
- Sore throat.
- Cough.
- Nasal congestion.
- Sneezing.
- Runny nose.
- Fever.
- Chills.
Sometimes, it can also cause vomiting and diarrhea (mainly in children). And the best way to prevent the disease is to get vaccinated every year.
Influenza vaccines are made of inactivated viruses (injectable) or live attenuated viruses (aerosol), which stimulate the defense system to create antibodies against the virus when administered. These antibodies protect against infection with circulating influenza viruses.
Is it still necessary to take it?
Since the influenza virus mutates frequently, the vaccine given last year will no longer be effective against new strains. For this reason, people must continue to get vaccinated every year to protect themselves and those around them.
In addition, getting vaccinated is the best form of prevention. The highly contagious influenza virus spreads quickly through the droplets we produce when we talk, cough, or sneeze. And although mild forms are the most common, there are risks of contracting more severe forms or becoming complicated with major infections. In severe cases, death can result.
What are the benefits/advantages of taking it?
The major benefit of getting vaccinated against influenza is to prevent the flu. However, if you do contract the disease even if you are vaccinated (this is a possibility), there are also several benefits to consider:
- Milder symptoms
- Decreased risk of hospitalization associated with influenza. Vaccination against influenza has been shown to prevent severe and severe forms of influenza and its complications. This includes the most vulnerable people, such as young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people suffering from chronic or underlying illnesses.
- Protecting those around us. Getting vaccinated protects the community, conferring the so-called “herd immunity.” When we get vaccinated, we considerably reduce the risk of catching the virus, and in case it happens, it will be in a mild form. Therefore, when vaccination is collective, we indirectly protect those who cannot receive the vaccine.
Does it conflict with the Covid-19 vaccines?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, while influenza A and B viruses cause influenza. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent both diseases, and it is important to clarify that there is no conflict between the vaccines for both. Both are important, and both should be administered. The form of administration is within 14 days between one and the other. In this way, the antibodies that will provide adequate protection are formed.
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