The flu vaccine is one of the most effective means of protection against severe viral infections during the cold months. The flu vaccine administered in our country is inactive (inactivated)that is, it contains "dead" virus particles that cannot cause disease. The vaccine is adapted each year to the circulating strains of type A and type B influenza viruses and is recommended for all age groups, especially the elderly, children and people with chronic diseases.
Influenza is a contagious viral disease that spreads easily through coughing, sneezing or contact with contaminated surfaces. It mainly affects the respiratory system and can be mild, but often leads to serious complications, especially in vulnerable groups. Symptoms include fever, cough, muscle aches, headache, fatigue and loss of appetite. Flu should not be underestimated - it is a much more serious illness than the common cold and can lead to severe inflammation of the lungs, heart and brain.
Why the flu vaccine is important
The influenza vaccine is the main tool for disease prevention. It reduces the risk of infection, but even when a person gets sick, the disease is milder and with fewer complications.
Influenza can lead to sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, inflammation of the heart membrane, meningitis or even liver damage. The elderly, pregnant women, children and people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, heart or kidney problems are the most vulnerable groups.
Every year, millions of people around the world fall ill with flu, hundreds of thousands are admitted to hospital, and thousands die from complications. That's why the World Health Organization recommends annual vaccination before the start of flu season.
What the vaccine contains and how it works
Modern influenza vaccines contain two subtypes of virus A и one or two subtypes of virus Bwhich are determined on the basis of epidemiological observations. This means that each year the vaccine is adapted to the most prevalent strains.
After vaccination, the body begins to produce antibodiesthat form about two weeks after the vaccine is given. These antibodies recognise and neutralise influenza viruses when the body comes into contact with them.
The vaccine cannot cause influenza because the viruses in it are inactivated. This makes it safe and suitable for people of all ages, including pregnant women and chronically ill patients.
Benefits of the influenza vaccine
Regular flu vaccination has a number of proven benefits:
- Reduces the risk of contracting influenza viruses.
- Reduces the likelihood of hospitalization in the elderly and chronically ill.
- Reduces the risk of death due to influenza complications.
- Eases the course of the disease in the infected.
- Provides additional protection to pregnant women and their babies.
- It reduces the spread of the virus in society, protecting the most vulnerable - young children, the elderly and people with weakened immunity.
Studies show that even in people who get sick despite vaccination, the disease progresses shorter and without serious complications.
Who should be vaccinated against influenza
The vaccine is recommended for all, but especially for:
- People over 65
- Children over 6 months, especially those with chronic diseases
- Pregnant women - the vaccine is safe after the first trimester
- People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart, kidney or lung disease
- Patients with weakened immune system (on chemotherapy, transplant or long-term corticosteroid therapy)
- Medical workers and people who care for the sick or elderly
- People who live in homes or shared accommodation
Families of children with chronic diseases should also be vaccinated to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.
Who should not be vaccinated
The influenza vaccine is not recommended in the following cases:
- Babies under 6 months
- People who have a proven severe allergy to vaccine ingredients (e.g. eggs)
- Patients who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous vaccination
- People who have had Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of a previous vaccination
- Patients with fever or acute illness - vaccine is delayed until recovery
How the vaccine dose is determined
The vaccine can be given from 6 months of age.
- At children between 6 months and 9 yearswho are being vaccinated for the first time are given two doses at least 4 weeks apart.
- At children over 9 years and adults one dose of 0.5 ml is sufficient.
When should the vaccine be given
Immune protection develops around two weeks after vaccination. Therefore, the most appropriate time for insertion is early autumn - September or Octoberbefore the active flu season (December-March).
Even later in the winter, the vaccine remains useful if the virus is still circulating.
Why the vaccine is given every year
There are two reasons:
- Immunity decreases over time. Protection from a previous vaccine wears off after about 6-12 months.
- Influenza viruses are constantly mutating. New variants circulate every year, so the old vaccine may not provide protection against current strains.
It is therefore necessary annual vaccine renewal.
Does the vaccine work immediately
No. Antibodies take about two weeks to form after insertion. It is therefore important to give the vaccine before the active spread of influenza begins. The duration of the protection is between 6 and 12 months.
Can a person get sick despite the vaccine
Yes, this is possible. The reasons could be:
- Contact with the virus Before the vaccine has worked.
- Infection with a strain that not included in the vaccine.
- Decreased immune response in the elderly or chronically ill.
Even in these cases, however, the disease is usually milder and without complications.
How the vaccine prevents and relieves the disease
Studies have shown that in vaccinated people who nevertheless become infected, the risk of hospitalization and death is significantly lower. A 2018 study showed that 59% vaccinated patients were less likely to be admitted to intensive care. The vaccine also reduces the length of hospital stay and the risk of severe complications such as pneumonia and heart failure.
Side effects
Influenza vaccines used in our country contain inactivated viruses and cannot cause disease. Side effects are rare and usually mild.
Possible temporary reactions:
- Mild pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Fatigue, low fever, muscle pain
- Mild headache or nausea
These symptoms pass in 1-2 days and do not require treatment. Severe reactions are extremely rare - less than 1% of cases.
The relationship between influenza and COVID-19 vaccine
The flu vaccine does not protect than COVID-19, as the two viruses are different. But research shows that those vaccinated against influenza often have milder course of coronavirus infection and lower risk of severe complications.
Studies in Brazil and the U.S. show that people vaccinated against influenza who become infected with COVID-19 have to 20% lower mortality and less often reach intensive care.
Both vaccines can be administered, but there must be at least 14 days interval between them.
Can flu risk be reduced without a vaccine
The vaccine is the safest method, but good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle also reduce the risk of infection. Recommended:
- Regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 30 seconds.
- Use disinfectants when washing is not an option.
- Avoid touching the face with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with sick people and keep your distance.
- To cover the mouth when coughing and sneezing.
- Avoid crowded rooms in winter.
- Ventilate homes and work areas regularly.
- Maintain good immunity through a balanced diet, physical activity and enough sleep.
