THE NEED FOR FLU VACCINATION
The flu shot: a recognized need
In anticipation of the cold season, it is probably already worth considering the flu vaccination. Moreover, it is necessary to be vaccinated against this infection in advance so that immunity can develop.
Both domestic and imported vaccines are used to protect against influenza. Both are very similar, safe and effective. They differ only in their cost. Domestic - much cheaper.
Although the vaccine does not completely protect against infection, if it does, the flu is more mild, does not cause complications, and never leads to death. This is especially true for children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.
Influenza vaccination: for whom is it mandatory?
- often ill people,
- children attending any children's institutions,
- people suffering from diabetes,
- people suffering from chronic diseases of the heart, central nervous system, kidneys and respiratory organs,
- when treated with drugs that suppress the immune system,
- persons with immunodeficiencies, HIV infection, autoimmune diseases.
The vaccine has few contraindications for its administration. An absolute contraindication is an allergy to egg protein.
Flu shot: contraindications
• allergy to hen's egg protein or other components of the vaccine,
• previously existing allergic reactions to the introduction of influenza vaccines,
• any acute infectious diseases, febrile conditions,
• exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Vaccination is carried out during the period of remission of a chronic disease or during the period of recovery from an acute disease.
Influenza vaccination causes the formation of specific antibodies. The protective effect begins 8-12 days after vaccination and lasts up to 12 months.
The vaccine is packaged in disposable syringes, contains a single dose, which is convenient and does not require dilution and the use of other syringes. Its introduction is carried out subcutaneously in the shoulder. The advantage of this vaccination is absolute non-toxicity - the vaccine does not contain preservatives, including mercury, which proves its safety.
It should only be remembered that within a month after vaccination, the body's forces are aimed at producing protective antibodies, therefore, to some extent, it is vulnerable, including sensitive to other viruses.
Therefore, during this period, be attentive to yourself, lead a healthy lifestyle, spend more time outdoors and take vitamins!
The recent widespread vaccination against the influenza virus is especially popular in anticipation of the autumn-winter season of upcoming epidemics. Numerous controversies and strife regarding the need for a flu shot do not subside. It is definitely difficult to determine the correctness of some and the fallacy of the opinions of others. First of all, it is important to identify the risk groups that are most at risk of infection during the epidemic, people who have the opportunity to get serious complications from influenza.
Persons who should definitely protect themselves during the epidemic are often ill people with weakened immune systems. It is also advisable to get vaccinated against influenza for people with chronic diseases of the respiratory system, bronchial asthma, and malformations of the central nervous system. General practitioners strongly recommend not to avoid influenza vaccination for congenital or acquired heart defects, heart rhythm disturbances. The flu shot is essential for people with kidney disease, such as chronic kidney failure. Blood diseases also have grounds for vaccination against the influenza virus. People who are registered with doctors with diabetes should also by all means protect themselves from the flu during the epidemic by getting vaccinated.
Recently, there has been an increase in the number of young children being treated with medications that suppress the immune system. Such children are most susceptible to the influenza virus, so they need a preventive vaccination that can prevent a severe course of the disease, even if the child does get sick during the epidemic. It is well known that young children who regularly attend preschool institutions are also at a fairly high risk of disease. As a result, refusing to get vaccinated against influenza can result in serious complications that will adversely affect the child's later adult life. There are many examples of various complications after the flu.
At the moment, there are flu shots of all three types: A, B, C. The susceptibility of the human body to these viruses is extremely high, and in all age groups of the population. Severe complications after the disease are pneumonia, otitis media, which in some cases turn into meningitis, damage to the cardiovascular and central nervous system.
For vaccination, inactivated vaccines are offered, that is, they do not contain live viruses, and live vaccines, in which
th included attenuated influenza virus. Moreover, there is a constant scientific development of new, more effective vaccines against this dangerous disease. To date, there are three main types of newly developed vaccines. Such flu shots differ from each other in the degree of splitting the virus into its constituent parts. The whole cell influenza vaccine is based on whole cells of the influenza virus. The split vaccine contains all the proteins of the virus - surface and internal. The subunit vaccine consists only of the surface proteins of the influenza virus.
Naturally, people are concerned about which vaccine is more effective for use as protection against the disease. It is difficult to give an unambiguous exact answer to the existing question; perhaps, the “golden mean” in this matter is the use of a split vaccine. To date, there are more than a dozen influenza vaccines that can maximally stimulate human immunity to effectively protect against the influenza virus.
The flu shot is a legitimate necessity. The main thing that every person should know before vaccination is the rules of vaccination, adverse reactions of the body, the vaccination schedule. All the above necessary knowledge can be obtained at the clinic from a general practitioner. Observing all the conditions for preventive vaccinations, you will maintain immunity, prevent the disease. Good health to you!