Flu Vaccine
If you get the
flu and at the same time contract the coronavirus, the symptoms experienced can
be worse compared to people who have undergone the flu vaccination. However,
before getting the flu vaccine, there are a few things you need to know about
this vaccine. Check out the following discussion to the end, yes!
All-Round Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine
is a vaccine that protects against flu. This vaccine is recommended to be given
once a year. The flu is a disease that is very easily spread through sprinkling
saliva or contact with objects contaminated with the virus.
Here are some
things to know before getting the flu vaccine:
1. Reasons for the Importance of Giving Flu Vaccine
Flu is often
underestimated because the symptoms caused are relatively mild. In fact, in
some people, the flu can cause serious complications, you know. The World
Health Organization (WHO) records a flu incidence of 5 million cases per year,
and the death rate from the disease stands at 650,000 worldwide.
Generally, severe
complications due to the flu occur in the elderly, pregnant women, children
aged 6 months to 5 years, medical workers, and people with specific diseases
such as HIV / AIDS, chronic lung disease, and asthma. Complications include
pneumonia, central nervous system disorders, and heart disorders such as
myocarditis and heart attacks.
The flu vaccine
can be taken as a preventive measure to prevent severe complications due to the
flu and worsening of the condition when stricken with COVID-19. However, again,
that does not mean the flu vaccine can prevent coronavirus infection yes.
Flu Vaccines Have Several Types
In general, there
are two forms of flu vaccine preparations that can be given, namely the
injection form and nasal spray. The injectable flu vaccine has a virus that has
been turned off. The injection-form vaccine is further divided into two types,
namely trivalent and quadrivalent vaccines.
The trivalent
vaccine contains 2 types of influenza A virus and 1 type of influenza B virus.
In comparison, the quadrivalent influenza vaccine contains 2 types of influenza
A and 2 types of influenza B. Please note that the more types of viruses included,
the better the protection. Even so, the trivalent vaccine is also considered
sufficient.
Meanwhile, the
spray-ready flu vaccine contains live viruses that have been attenuated. This
type of flu vaccine should only be given to healthy people aged 2-49 years.
However, both types of flu vaccines are equally effective in preventing the flu
by building antibodies in the body to fight the influenza virus.
3. Time of Vaccine
As said earlier,
the recommended flu vaccine is once a year. In cold countries, the flu season
usually occurs between December-February. In tropical, there is no definite
time recommended to get the flu vaccine because this disease can occur at any
time.
Groups of People Recommended to Get The Vaccine
In fact, everyone
can get the flu vaccine to gain immunity to this disease. However, who
recommends the flu vaccine for:
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years.
- Elderly people over 65 years old.
- Pregnant women.
- People with chronic diseases.
- Medical workers.
Side Effects That Can Occur After Getting the Flu Vaccine
Various side
effects can arise related to the flu vaccine, which includes:
- Pain, redness, and swelling in the
injected area.
- Fever.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Hoarseness.
- Swelling around the eyes and lips.
- Tired and pale face.
- Heart palpitations.
- Faint.
- Runny nose.
- Muscle pain.
- Sore throat.
If you experience this reaction after receiving the flu vaccine, immediately contact your doctor for treatment. In addition to vaccines, the flu can also be prevented in several other ways, namely reducing contact with sick people, resting at home when sick, eating nutritious foods, and drinking enough.
source: https://www.halodoc.com/article
