Influenza Vaccine, Recognize the Benefits To Its Side Effects
Influenza
vaccines become essential to give because influenza or flu is very easy to spread. The virus is spread through sprinkling saliva or
contact with items that have been contaminated with the virus.
The Importance of Influenza Vaccine
Although it
usually only causes mild symptoms, the flu can also cause serious
complications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the incidence
of influenza is 5 million cases per year, and the death rate from this disease
reaches 650,000 patients worldwide.
Complications due
to flu are more at risk in the elderly, pregnant women, children aged 6 months
to 5 years, medical workers, and people with certain diseases, such as HIV / AIDS, chronic heart or
lung disease, and asthma.
Complications include
pneumonia, central nervous system disorders, and heart disorders such as myocarditis
and heart attacks. In addition, the flu can also aggravate chronic disease
conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and congestive heart failure.
Since it can
cause severe complications and possibly cause death, it would be nice to take
preventive measures against this disease.
One of them is
the influenza vaccine. With this vaccine, your risk of getting the flu will be
reduced, or the flu symptoms you experience will tend to be milder than if you
do not get the vaccine.
Amid the COVID-19
pandemic, the administration of the influenza vaccine is also considered able to reduce the
risk of severe coronavirus infection symptoms. But that does not mean this
vaccine can prevent you from being infected with the coronavirus, yes!
Types of Influenza Vaccines That May Be Given
There are two
forms of influenza vaccine preparations, namely injection forms, and nasal
sprays. Injectable influenza vaccines contain viruses that have been switched
off. There are 2 types of injectable influenza vaccines, namely trivalent
vaccine and quadrivalent vaccine.
The trivalent vaccine contains 2 types of influenza A
virus and 1 type of influenza B virus. While quadrivalent influenza vaccine
contains 2 types of influenza A virus and 2 types of influenza B virus. The
more types of viruses included the better the protection. However, the trivalent vaccine is also considered
sufficient.
The influenza
vaccine sprayed contains a live attenuated virus. This vaccine should only be
given to healthy people between the ages of 2-49 years. However, both types of
influenza vaccines will not cause the flu in people who receive it.
Influenza
vaccines work by building antibodies in a person's body to fight influenza
viruses. Influenza vaccine takes about 2 weeks to work to create antibodies in
a person's body.
In cold
countries, the flu season occurs between December-February. To be effective,
the influenza vaccine is recommended to be given before December. The best time
is November or October.
While in tropical
countries such as Indonesia, flu outbreaks can occur at any time. Therefore,
there is no specific time to get the influenza vaccine. If in the last 1 year
you have not received this vaccine, you can immediately ask your doctor for
this vaccine.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends influenza vaccines for:
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years
- Elderly people (over 65 years old)
- Pregnant woman
- People with chronic diseases
- Medical worker
To use influenza
vaccines effectively and safely, you are encouraged to consult a doctor before
vaccination. Some injectable influenza vaccines contain eggs, so they should
not be given to people who have egg allergies.
In addition, this
vaccine is also not recommended to be given to people who are seriously ill,
have experienced
allergic reactions to the influenza vaccine before, or have experienced Guillain-Barre syndrome after receiving the
influenza vaccine.
Side Effects of Influenza Vaccine
Various side
effects can arise related to the administration of the influenza vaccine.
Commonly encountered side effects include:
- Pain, redness, and swelling in the
injected area
- Fever
- Nauseous
- Difficulty breathing
- Hoarseness
- Swelling around the eyes or lips
- Tired, dizzy, and pale face
- Heart palpitations
- Change in behavior
- Runny nose
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Sore throat.
Call your doctor
immediately for treatment if you experience any of these reactions after
receiving the influenza vaccine.
In addition to the
influenza vaccine, flu can be prevented in several ways: reducing contact with
sick people, resting at home when you are sick, eating nutritious food, and
drinking enough.
If necessary, use a mask to avoid spreading the virus when you cough or sneeze, and make it a habit to wash your hands with soap, especially when you're about to eat or touch your face.
