Flu Vaccine: Questions And Answers

The flu vaccine has proven to be effective across the entire age range of the population, with percentages varying between 30% and 74%, depending on the season and vaccine concordance.

The development of the influenza vaccine meant a great advance in the field of medicine. Its use has saved thousands of lives because it prevents us from suffering from the flu,  one of the most common illnesses today.

The flu is indeed the most common disease in developed countries. It is an acute infectious disease that affects the airways of anyone,  whether a newborn, an adult or an elderly person.

Getting the flu shot is the most effective way to prevent this disease and its complications. Since it was introduced,  the vaccine has proven its effectiveness across the entire age range of the population, with percentages varying between 30% and 74%, depending on the season and the vaccine consistency.

In addition,  influenza vaccination is estimated to reduce the number of hospitalizations for pneumonia in people over 65 by 80% and mortality in adults over 75 with chronic illnesses by approximately 22%.

However, even though this is a very common vaccine in the general population,  there is still a series of questions that require answers. We are therefore going to tell you about the most common doubts to better understand its effectiveness and how it works.

Why is the flu shot given every year?

One of the most notable characteristics of the virus produced by influenza is that it can change its structure very quickly. This change is called a mutation. Thus, influenza vaccines must be reviewed annually to protect the population.

The types of influenza virus are called A, B and C.  The former is usually responsible for large influenza epidemics and is constantly changing. Type B usually only triggers small outbreaks and C – mild illnesses.

Who should get the flu shot?

The influenza vaccine should be administered annually  to a range of population groups that are considered to be at risk groups. It should also be administered to groups of people who care for those people who are more likely to be infected or cohabit with them.

The groups at risk are:

• People over 65.
• Adults or children with lung or heart problems.
• Residents of retirement homes or other institutions who cohabit with people with chronic illnesses.
• People treated in the past year for cystic fibrosis, kidney problems, anemia, severe asthma or chronic metabolic diseases.
• People who are immunocompromised, such as patients being treated with chemotherapy or who have HIV.

Are there any side effects from the flu shot?

The flu shot is a very safe formulation and in the majority of cases it has no side effects. However, like all drugs on the market, it can produce unwanted effects.

Drug side effects are all those symptoms that occur unwantedly and unintentionally with the treatment of a drug. Thus, the influenza vaccine may produce, although only in very rare cases, a little fever for a few days or pain at the site of the injection.

In which situations should this vaccine not be administered?

Just as there is a series of people to be vaccinated,  vaccination is contraindicated for others. Some need to see a doctor to see if they should get this vaccine because the risks and benefits need to be weighed. We are talking about the following population groups:

• People who are allergic to eggs: the vaccine may indeed contain egg proteins.
• Patients with fevers or serious illnesses.
• Pregnant women or with a possible pregnancy.

People who should not receive this vaccine are those who have had a moderate or severe reaction after a dose and  those who have suffered paralysis from Guillain-Barré syndrome, according to studies.

Conclusion

The influenza vaccine is expected to be of great benefit to the health of people. Check with your doctor to find out if you should be vaccinated annually, if you should not receive this vaccine, or if you do not need to be vaccinated.