Benefits of the flu vaccine and who should get it.

Benefits of the flu vaccine and who should get it.

What is the flu vaccine?

A flu vaccine (or "flu shot") is designed to protect against the influenza viruses most likely to circulate during the upcoming flu season. The vaccine is typically administered via a needle, usually in the arm.

Benefits of the Flu Vaccine

  • Prevention of illness: The flu vaccine can significantly reduce your chances of getting sick. When the vaccine aligns with the circulating flu strains, it can reduce doctor visits for flu-related issues by 40-60%.
  • Reduced severity: If you still catch the flu after being vaccinated, the symptoms are often milder. The vaccine also helps lower the risk of hospitalization and death.
  • Protection for vulnerable individuals: Flu vaccination is essential for people with chronic health conditions like heart disease or lung issues (e.g., COPD). It helps prevent thousands of hospitalizations each year.
  • Lifesaving for children: Studies show the flu vaccine reduces the risk of severe, life-threatening flu in children by 75%.

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?

  • Everyone aged 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccine every year, with few exceptions.
  • It’s especially important for those at high risk of severe flu complications, such as: Young children Elderly adults Individuals with chronic health conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease) Healthcare workers or those in close contact with high-risk individuals

Who Should Not Get the Flu Vaccine?

  • Children younger than 6 months (too young for vaccination).
  • People with severe allergies to any ingredient in the flu vaccine, such as gelatin or antibiotics (excluding egg proteins).
  • People who had a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu shot.

Common Flu Symptoms

Flu symptoms often appear suddenly and may include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

Preventive Actions

  1. Get vaccinated annually to protect against the flu.
  2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  3. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
  4. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and dispose of it properly.
  5. Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces to prevent the spread of germs.

To schedule your flu vaccination today, contact us at 0861 873 477/ 072 584 7159 or email [email protected] for on-site services.

References:

要查看或添加评论,请登录

HSP Group SA -Medicals, Wellness & Training的更多文章

社区洞察