Influenza, which is commonly regarded as “flu,” has been with mankind for a very comprehensive period. Its history can be traced back to 410 BC in northern Greece, where a physician explained it as a respiratory tract infection. With the advancements in science and medication, it was sought that flu is caused by some extremely infectious RNA viruses, and there is more than just one type of this disease. There are three types of flu, A, B, and C. A and B types are caused because of the infection in the upper respiratory tract, while C is accompanied by the core infections. Flu does not appear as a singular illness, it is often accompanied by body aches, headaches, sapping fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, fever, chills, and stuffy or blocked nose. These symptoms are not always bound to occur, but some of these can be experienced without a doubt, which will confine you to bed.
Why should I get a flu vaccination?
There are four dominant strains of flu, and each comes with its
series of chronic illnesses. As recommended by the world health organization, these strains circulate throughout every season, especially in the cold season. Moreover, the circulating flu viruses get modified and change every year. some extremely infectious RNA viruses cause flu is why you must get a new vaccine each year. Flu vaccination is kept free all over the nation; however, you might need to pay the consultation fee for your general practitioner.
Who is in the most need of jab, and why?
Flu vaccination is optional for an average person; however, it is the most recommended practice for the people who fall in the “At-Risk” groups. At-Risk groups include
- The people having 65+ age and the ones with a BMI of 40 and above
- People who receive medical treatment for lung diabetes, kidneys, and similar neurological diseases.
- People having high-impact diseases such as cancer, HIV, and likewise are also added in this group as they have reduced immunity.
- It is also mandatory for infants, newborns, and pregnant ladies to get the vaccination.
- The caretakers of the people mentioned above
Time of the year – why is it important?
People should get the flu vaccination in early October so that they stay protected from flu throughout the flu season, which is from October to April.
What are the steps involved going about getting a jab?
When you are choosing to get a flu vaccination, the things that you might need to take care of are whether or not, you had
- A previous allergic reaction with the flu vaccine
- Egg allergy
- Mercury allergy
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Fever. You might have to wait until the fever is gone.
You might also want to research regarding which type of flu vaccine you want to get ass there is a high range of vaccines available, and it entirely depends on your choice whether you wish to get high-dose flu shot, nasal spray vaccine or Intradermal flu shot.
What are the symptoms to be aware of?
After getting a flu vaccination, you might see the following symptoms redness in that particular area, swelling, itchiness, roughness, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, low-grade fever, and similar symptoms. There is nothing to be afraid of as vaccine does not contain any viruses and would only help you in preventing the disease.
What are the potential consequences of getting a jab?
The significance of getting flu shots is in the fact that it can help you protect yourself from the virus. Flu is the gateway for most of the chronic diseases to home your body; thus, if you will protect yourself from influenza, you will ultimately be safeguarding yourself from all the related chronic illnesses. Additionally, if you do not get flu, there is no way that you can pass on the virus and, therefore, making a good contribution to society.
