Influenza and Cold Incidence Increased

Influenza is a viral disease that can lead to hospitalization or even death, depending on age and additional disease status. Istanbul Okan University Hospital Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Dr. Servet Öztürk made statements about the flu vaccine. What are the side effects of the flu vaccine? Should everyone get the flu vaccine? Should We Get the Flu Vaccine?

In each flu season, millions of people get sick, serious workforce loss, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized, tens of thousands of people die due to influenza and its complications. Influenza virus can be transmitted by droplets, aerosols and contact. Especially indoors, the possibility of transmission increases. The mask, distance and hygiene measures we use due to the Covid-19 pandemic are also protective for the flu virus. In the last century, 4 pandemics have occurred in the world due to the influenza virus.

“Everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October”

Influenza vaccines have many benefits, such as reduced incidence of the disease, reduced hospitalization and death rates, as well as reduced transmission of the disease to other people. Two weeks after the flu vaccine is given, protective antibodies are formed. Especially in people over 65 years of age, asthma, COPD, Diabetes mellitus (diabetes), heart failure, stroke, pregnancy and puerperium, HIV/AIDS, cancer disease, chronic kidney failure, use of immunosuppressive drugs, morbid obesity, and those living in nursing homes. the disease is more frequent and severe. Children and adolescents aged between 6 months and 18 years and receiving long-term aspirin therapy should be vaccinated every flu season. It is recommended that patients with the above-mentioned disease be vaccinated in September/October every year. Ideally everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October. Flu vaccines should be repeated every year for two reasons. First, vaccine-related protective antibodies decrease within months. Second, because the flu virus changes shape each year, the composition of current vaccines is rearranged each year for the most common viruses.

• Influenza vaccines are generally divided into two as nasally administered live vaccines and parenterally administered inactivated vaccines. Live vaccines should not be administered in cases of pregnancy and immunodeficiency. Inactive (non-living) flu vaccines should be preferred in this group of patients.
• The flu vaccine reduces your chances of getting the flu.
• Various studies have shown that the flu vaccine reduces the severity of the disease in people who are vaccinated but are still sick.
• The flu vaccine reduces the risk of flu-related hospitalizations.
• The flu vaccine is an important preventative tool for people with certain chronic health problems.
• The flu vaccine helps protect pregnant people during and after pregnancy.
• Getting vaccinated can also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu, such as infants and young children, the elderly, and people with certain chronic health conditions.

What are the side effects of the flu vaccine?

• Pain, redness and/or swelling at the injection site
• Headache (low grade)
• Fire
• muscle aches
• Nausea
• Weakness