“DO I NEED A FLU SHOT?”

The flu/influenza is not just a common cold. It is a contagious respiratory illness that causes fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, weakness, lethargy, sore throat, and headaches. Image credit: *CDC* on Unsplash.

By AAMINAH NAJMUS SAHAR

As summer ends, days get shorter, the air gets colder, and most people spend more time indoors. This is also when viruses circulate more and respiratory illnesses increase.

As the flu season approaches, it is important to take measures to prevent and reduce influenza/flu cases. Taking a flu shot/vaccine is one of the best preventative steps that can be taken to protect oneself, family, and community from severe influenza illness.

The flu/influenza is not just a common cold. It is a contagious respiratory illness that causes fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, weakness, lethargy, sore throat, and headaches. It is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. In addition, it can also spread through contaminated surfaces and direct physical contact with an infected individual. During flu season, it is possible to contract the disease through sick family members, co-workers, and even public spaces.

Though many people recover from the flu within a few days to a week, it may lead to serious complications, hospitalizations, and even death in some vulnerable populations.

Thus, taking a flu shot is crucial to prevent severe illness.

Who is at increased risk of severe flu complications?

• Individuals with reduced immunity, i.e, individuals on chemotherapy or immunosuppressant medications.

• Individuals with chronic diseases – diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, etc.

• Individuals with pre-existing respiratory disorders such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis.

• Individuals aged 65 years and older (elderly).

• Young children.

• Newborns and infants.

• Pregnant women.

Special care should be taken to protect these vulnerable individuals by vaccinating them and their families.

Who can get the flu shot?

In Canada, the flu shot/vaccine is generally recommended annually for everyone aged six months and older who do not have a genuine medical reason to avoid the vaccine. It is especially recommended for vulnerable populations, their families, caregivers, and healthcare workers. In addition, every healthy adult can benefit from the flu shot, as it helps prevent severe disease, helps avoid missed work, school, and other leisure activities, and prevents reduced productivity, reduced quality of life, and increased financial cost due to influenza complications.

People often wonder if taking a flu shot is safe in pregnancy and for individuals with reduced immunity. The answer is yes; the injectable flu shot does not contain any live virus that can cause the disease. It uses an inactivated virus that trains your immune system to recognize and fight the virus when needed, thus leading to reduced influenza complications. The injectable flu shot can be taken during any trimester of pregnancy, and it can also pass on protective antibodies to the baby during the first few months of their life, thereby protecting the baby from influenza complications.

When is the best time to get the flu shot?

It is ideal to get vaccinated during fall or before the end of October, as this will give the body sufficient time needed to produce antibodies (two weeks) and be prepared for the flu season. The goal is to have antibodies before the onset of winter, when the flu season is usually at its peak. However, getting a flu shot later is still better than not getting a flu shot at all. It is also essential to remember that getting a flu shot every year is crucial, as the flu virus mutates/changes every year and the immunity from the flu shot fades over time. So last year’s flu shot won’t protect from this year’s flu virus. Thus, it is essential to get a flu shot every year and before the onset of winter.

Side effects of the flu vaccine include some mild and temporary soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Some people may experience fatigue, headache, fever, or body aches. It is essential to remember that the flu shot cannot cause the flu, and fever and body aches may mean that the vaccine is working. This usually resolves in a day or two. Considering the benefit that comes with the flu shot, i.e., protection from flu complications, these side effects are mild and only temporary. Serious reactions or side effects from the vaccine are rare. If you are concerned about side effects from the vaccine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist to clear your doubts.

The flu shot is a simple and effective method of preventing flu complications and reducing the severity of the disease, thereby protecting ourselves, our families, and communities from severe flu disease. Schedule your flu vaccine before the flu season arrives and be prepared for a healthier winter.

• Please consult your family physician before following any of the suggested remedies/steps above.

• Aaminah Najmus Sahar is a medical writer and reviewer with a Pharm.D. In her blog Medscetera, she posts about healthcare topics. She is passionate about helping people make informed health choices.

HEALTH FILE

“DO I NEED A FLU SHOT?”