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Flu season at our doorstep; go get your flu vaccine
This is an infectious disease that spreads through direct contact with those who already have it or through tiny droplets in the air as a result of people coughing or sneezing. It can also be transmitted through doorknobs, computer keyboards and telephones, especially when the latter are used communally. Some of the more common symptoms of the flu are a fever, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, headache, aches and pains in joints and muscles, as well as fatigue. People generally recover from the flu within one to two weeks, but the recovery process can be slower and more difficult in older people, diabetics and people with chronic kidney, heart or respiratory ailments. Don't forget that the flu can also set the foundation for other serious illnesses like pneumonia.
You have to strengthen your immune system
Since the flu is a viral disease, it does not respond to antibiotics. People with the flu need to drink lots of liquids, get rest and take any medicines prescribed to help ease the symptoms. Only in the early stages of the flu are anti-virus medicines any use.
Some of the most important ways to protect yourself from the flu are staying away from people who already have the flu, washing your hands frequently, staying away from crowded places and of course getting a flu vaccine. The flu virus is constantly changing, and so the World Health Organization (WHO) detects which types of viruses are most frequently seen that particular year and prepares the vaccine accordingly. Thus the flu vaccine contains three dead strains of the virus. The vaccine itself takes a 10 to 15-day period to start affecting a person's system, which is why experts recommend people get it some time at the start of the fall season. While there is no reason not to get it in later months, if you get the vaccine earlier, it gives your body time to develop the immunity it needs. In the meantime, it should be noted that while the flu vaccine does help protect people who receive it, it does not mean that you won't get the flu, either. The rate of protection from this vaccine ranges between 60 and 80 percent.
For children between 6 months and 3 years of age, a half dose of the flu vaccine is recommended, while children over the age of 3 receive a full dose. Children under the age of 8 receiving this vaccine for the first time should have the vaccine twice over a two-month period.
Older people and children at risk
People who are over the age of 65, have chronic lung disease (such as asthma or bronchitis), chronic heart or vascular disease, diabetes, blood diseases or suppressed immune systems are all strongly advised to get the flu vaccine. What's more, medical personnel and people working in medical facilities should also receive the flu vaccine.
The flu vaccine should not be given to babies under 6 months, to those suffering from the Guillain-Barré Syndrome or to those who are allergic to egg yolks, as this vaccine contains egg yolk. People who are already ill should wait until they have recovered to receive this vaccine.
There can be side effects from this vaccine
Since the flu vaccine uses dead strains of the flu, you cannot actually get the flu from it. But you can experience side effects such as pain in the area where you get the vaccine as well as redness or swelling. Some people also experience muscle pains, tiredness or a light fever.
A serious allergic reaction can be experienced by those who are allergic to egg yolks, as the vaccine does contain egg yolk.
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