One Shot Protection | Deccan Herald

We are in the midst of a pandemic and the flu season has already begun. Influenza virus occurs all year round, but peaks from December to February. As the national winter season approaches, people are often asked about the best time to get a flu shot. The exact time and duration of the flu season varies, but flu activity often begins to increase from October to mid-November. The best time to get the flu vaccine is before the rainy season, but there are seasons that last until winter, so it’s not too late if you don’t get the flu vaccine early!

If you’re waiting for the right time to get the flu vaccine, it’s actually now! Yes, November is the best month to get the flu vaccine and get maximum protection against the virus. It takes about two weeks to develop antibodies from the flu vaccine that are sufficient to protect you from the flu. As long as the flu virus is prevalent, it’s never too late to get vaccinated. Early vaccination is most effective, but vaccination now or later can protect someone for the rest of the flu season, which is known to last until May.

Frequently asked questions are:

What is a flu / flu vaccine?

Influenza vaccine, also known as influenza vaccination, is a vaccination to prevent influenza or influenza caused by three or four common variants of the influenza virus, including H1N1 or swine flu virus strains.

IIs influenza a serious illness?

It can range from mild to very serious. There is no way to predict who will get seriously ill and who will not. Hospitalization may be required if you are expecting a child under the age of 5 and a child with severe lung condition, an elderly person over the age of 65, and a mother.Individuals suffering from kidney disease, lung disease, liver
Illnesses are more likely to be hospitalized for influenza. In children, it can cause SARI (severe acute respiratory infections), pneumonia, dehydration, and in adults, it can exacerbate long-term conditions such as asthma and diabetes. The chances of spreading the infection are less serious but very high.
To other vulnerable families. It can also lead to school absenteeism.

What is the minimum age for a vaccine? Is there an age limit?

The minimum age is 6 months and there is no age limit.

How many doses do I need to administer? Do I have to repeat it every year?

It should be given twice at intervals of 4-6 weeks. It needs to be administered once a year to strengthen immunity in response to changes in the vaccine strain.

Why do i have to repeat it
Every year?

Unfortunately, the virus changes or mutates after the season or every year, so new vaccine formulations are usually released in Japan just before the rainy season. Therefore, annual booster administration is recommended to match the circulating virus strain and to obtain maximum immunity.

Are there any side effects of the flu vaccine?

The side effects of this vaccine are minimal. However, vaccination of children may be expected to cause slight fever and cold-like symptoms. Muscle pain, lightheadedness, or pain in the limbs can also be seen where the vaccine is given.

Does vaccination against the flu mean that you are immune to the flu?

There are several viruses that cause the flu. The circulating virus must match the vaccine strain. The production of antibodies also depends on the individual’s immune response. Therefore, although not 100% preventive, vaccination can significantly reduce the incidence of influenza and the chances of hospitalization and serious illness.

Can I ask someone for the flu vaccine?

Yes, anyone over 6 months old can be vaccinated. Contact your doctor / hospital for more information. Influenza vaccination is on the rise in today’s pandemics, and many hospitals offer home vaccination services for influenza vaccines. However, if you are afraid to go to the hospital, home vaccination services are available throughout the city or hospital. Patients should use these.
service.

(((The author is a consultant neonatologist and pediatrician. )