Rainy Season Flu Season is here

We took the toddlers this morning to their pediatrician for their Hepa-A vaccines which were postponed for next month.  Their pediatrician instead suggested that the toddlers get vaccinated against the flu virus since the rainy season has arrived and with it the flu season.  They should have received the Influenza H1N1 Vaccine a couple of months ago but we prioritized their Pneumo vaccines since the little girl has had pneumonia twice in two years time. Here are some pertinent facts about Influenza and why we need to be vaccinated against it annually?

What is Influenza?

The common flu or influenza is an infection that develops primarily in the lungs and is spread from person to person through secretions of the nose and lungs more often than not when sneezing.  Although other respiratory illnesses cause similar symptoms, it is usually only influenza that is characterized with very high fever, malaise and severe body aches.  It is not only children who are advised to be vaccinated against the influenza virus. Adults are likewise advised to get this flu shot annually since the Swine flu and a host of other super bugs made themselves known.

What is the Flu Vaccine and what are its side effects?

The Flu vaccine is an inactivated influenza virus that is injected into muscles to stimulate the immune system and produce an immune response to the  influenza virus. Antibodies attack and kill the virus and prevent infection in a person who has been vaccinated.

The vaccine given annually is administered as a single dose of 0.5 ml of liquid injected intramuscularly through  the skin. Typically, the injection is into the side of the arm for adults and into the thigh for toddlers. Alcohol is rubbed over the skin for  sterilization.

Side effects of the  flu vaccine are not common but there may be a few who might experience soreness at the  site of the injection, muscle aches, and fever. Very rarely have  serious allergic reactions been reported.

Why do we need a Flu Vaccine annually?

Influenza is a serious viral respiratory infection and is highly infectious.  Its symptoms are severe and prolonged and inhibits normal daily routine. Aside from this, bacterial infections can occur on top of the respiratory infection and their simultaneous attack on the body can overwhelm the function of the lungs and the body. It is, thus, crucial for children and the elderly to be vaccinated against the influenza virus to prevent further complications that may even lead to death.

The influenza virus can change slightly each year and a new vaccine has to be prepared every year to combat the expected strains of influenza virus.  The vaccine is only effective against the specific strains of virus that match the vaccine so it does not give you a foolproof chance of acquiring flu. It does lower the probability of you getting the disease though.  Annual vaccination is required so that you get a vaccine that matches the strains of influenza prevalent currently.

When is the best time to get vaccinated?

Flu season in our country begins at the onset of the rainy season.  It is advisable to get the vaccine a few weeks before this.  April or May would probably be the best months to get the Influenza Vaccine. Do consult your physicians though as they would be able to give you the best advice.