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Flu is an infectious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. It is highly contagious and can spread when infected people sneeze or cough while being amongst other people. Flu is caused by influenza viruses A, B, C, and D. The yearly pandemic is generally caused by influenza A & B.
The good news is you can prevent this infectious disease by getting a flu vaccine. It is a yearly vaccination that helps keep the flu at bay for an entire season.
Table of Contents
What Are The Symptoms Of Influenza?
The symptoms of influenza can be mild to severe, depending on their type and where they occur. Here is a list of the most common symptoms of flu.
- Cough
- Fever or chills
- Muscle or body aches
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common among children)
Who Can Be Vaccinated With Influenza Vaccine?
Standard flu vaccination is usually suitable for everyone except children under six months. Let’s have a brief overview of the candidacy criteria for flu shots.
- Flu shots come in different types, each appropriate for a particular group of individuals. This grouping or classification is mainly based on age.
- Children under six months may get influenza immunization through standard-dose inactivated flu vaccines.
- Some flu vaccines are approved for adults only. For instance, people aged 18 or above can get the recombinant flu vaccine, and people above 65 will get the adjuvanted and high-dose inactivated vaccines.
- Flu shots are safe for pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions.
- Flu shots are safe for individuals with egg allergies.
When Should I Get The Flu Vaccine?
Vaccination with a flu vaccine shot is usually advised before the flu virus spreads in your community. Generally, everyone should receive a flu shot by the end of October each year to maintain immunity against the influenza virus. The flu is usually more contagious during February and remains at its peak until May. So, getting vaccinated any time before this period will help prevent the flu attack.
What Are The Side Effects Of The Flu Vaccine?
There will be some redness, soreness, or swelling at the injection site. Other side effects of a flu shot include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
All these side effects are usually mild and go away in a few days.
How Many Flu Shots Should I Get Per Year?
According to the CDC, everyone aged 6 months or above should get one yearly flu shot. Researchers and experts may change recommendations for the number of annual flu shots depending on their prediction of the flu strain to be prevalent during a season. This is also why the flu shot is different every year.
Flu Vaccine FAQs
Is it safe for children to take the flu vaccine?
Yes, standard flu vaccination is safe and effective for children above 6 months. However, doctors and experts may suggest a different flu vaccine for babies below this age.
How many flu shots do you need?
The general recommendation for most people is one flu shot a year. However, this recommendation may change depending on the prediction of particular flu strains being more prevalent in a season.
Does the flu shot weaken your immune system?
No, it is the other way around; getting a flu shot may strengthen your immune system against influenza attacks. According to a study, people who get regular annual flu vaccines usually have stronger immune systems than the ones who get only one flu shot.
Request an Appointment
Do you want to protect yourself against the flu? Your best bet is to get vaccinated. You can get a flu shot at Euromed Clinic Dubai, one of the UAE’s top-rated medical and cosmetic facilities. For more information, book a consultation using the online form below.
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