Let’s demystify the flu vaccine; it’s a powerful tool in our annual fight against the flu
As each new season rolls around, the flu vaccine offers protection against the most common strains of the virus. The flu vaccine is created each year to help reduce the impact of symptoms like fever, chills, and body aches that can leave us feeling worn out.
Many people still fall prey to common misconceptions about the flu vaccine. Read on to understand more about this health aide that can help protect your health.
Quick Read:
- Getting vaccinated helps reduce each person’s flu risk and the spread within our communities.
- Certain people (pregnant women and the elderly) are more at risk of the flu virus each year.
- Despite sharing similar symptoms, the flu is not the same as a cold.
What is the flu?
Influenza, often shortened to “the flu,” is a respiratory infection. It affects the nose, throat, and occasionally the lungs. The virus doesn’t discriminate as even the healthiest among us can still contract the flu. It spreads mainly through droplets released when someone with the flu sneezes, coughs, or even talks. You could also catch the flu by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching your mouth or eyes.
Many of us mistake the flu for a cold or other respiratory illness. However, the flu is usually far more severe. It’s a viral infection that spreads quickly, but in most cases, will clear up on its own. However, in some cases, the flu can be dangerous, leading to complications such as pneumonia.
Why do we need a new vaccine each year?
The flu virus constantly evolves. This means that the strain circulating this year won’t be identical to last year’s. To keep up, scientists must research and predict the most likely flu strains each season, developing an updated vaccine to match these changes. Although they usually get it right, occasionally a strain will mutate unexpectedly. Unfortunately, this can make the vaccine less effective against that particular strain.
How does the flu vaccine work?
Researchers create the vaccine by combining elements and substances from different flu strains to protect against the ones predicted to be most common. When you receive the flu shot, your immune system recognises these virus fragments and starts building defenses against them. This “training” prepares your body to combat the actual virus if you’re exposed later in the season.
Simply – a vaccine is a substance that contains the germ of the specific disease. When a vaccination enters your body, the immune system goes to work making antibodies that fight the germs.
Does the flu vaccine cause the flu?
No, you cannot get the flu from the flu shot. The vaccine contains inactivated virus parts that cannot cause an infection. However, some people might experience mild side-effects, like muscle aches or a low fever. These are simply signs that your body is building immunity.
Is the flu vaccine safe for children?
The flu vaccine is safe for children from six months and up and could even save a child’s life. Vaccination is particularly important for children under the age of five, as well as children who have a high-risk medical condition because they’re more likely to develop serious flu complications. Adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions are also at increased risk of flu complications.
Does the flu shot work against COVID-19?
The flu vaccine is designed specifically to target influenza viruses and does not offer protection against COVID-19. Sure, it would be useful if one vaccine did two jobs, but separate vaccines are needed to build immunity to each virus. The flu vaccine typically protects against four different flu virus strains in one shot.
Is the flu really that serious?
While some experience mild symptoms, for others – such as children, pregnant women, and older adults – the flu can lead to serious health complications. It can worsen existing health issues or lead to pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. The good news is that the flu vaccine is considered safe for pregnant women and provides a significant level of protection for people who are most vulnerable.
Help at hand: taking care of your immune system to manage flu symptoms
- Did you know that a healthy gut can boost your flu defenses? Foods rich in probiotics, like yoghurt and kefir, support your immunity. Add natural yoghurt to a smoothie or fill up on fermented foods for a tasty health boost.
- Bundle up in layers and keep warm when you’re out and about in cold weather to give your immune system extra support.
- Sunshine gives your body a natural boost of Vitamin D. It’s like a little cheerleader for your immune system. Spend a few minutes outdoors each day, or consider a supplement if necessary.
- We touch our faces without even thinking about it – especially in places like grocery stores or public transport where germs love to linger. Be more mindful of this practice.
- Staying hydrated helps keep your body’s natural defenses strong, so ensure you drink water throughout the day. Sipping water regularly keeps your throat moist, which helps trap germs trying to sneak in. Add a splash of lemon or warm tea for flavour.
Images: Pexels
