Flu can directly affect the immune system, it is an extremely contagious disease. Flu generates critical complications, severe symptoms & even death. Flu Vaccination is the best way to protect you with its fatality. Flu Vaccination enhances the level of your immunity & lowers the risk of generating a serious illness. However, how does the flu shot increase immunity? Let’s explore the science behind it:
Understanding How the Flu Vaccine Works
The Flu Vaccination is composed of inactivated influenza viruses, which are incapable of causing any disease. The population of these viruses stimulates the immunity to identify & attack the virus by which you get affected. The antibodies are generated by your immune system after receiving a Flu Vaccination. These antibodies particularly target the strains of the influenza virus involved in the vaccine.
The rate of immunity is generated in your body after 10-14 days of Flu Vaccination. The protection of this vaccine lasts for a few months. The time of peak immunity occurs at up to 3-4 months. The Flu Vaccination is updated yearly as the strain of influenza virus changes every year.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccination?
The Flu Vaccination is suggested for different age groups that should be followed up with some specific conditions.
- Children: Flu Vaccination is suitable for children from 6 months to less than 5 years of age. These criteria are set as per the National Immunization Program (NIP) guidelines.
- Adults: To make the immunity stronger in adult people quadrivalent vaccine is recommended for people above 65.
- Pregnant Women: The Flu Vaccination is recommended for the pregnant woman along with another vaccine of whooping cough. Its doses are suitable in the 2nd or 3rd trimester.
- Individuals with Illness: The Flu Vaccination is recommended for people with long-term medical issues or those who are more susceptible to complications from influenza.
Safety and Precautions
Although the Flu Vaccination is typically safe, there are some people who shouldn’t have it:
- Individuals who have experienced an allergic reaction to a dose of the Flu Vaccination in the past should not get vaccinated.
- People who are severely allergic to eggs (have anaphylaxis), are recommended to have a discussion with their GP.
- For people with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), getting a vaccine should be discussed with their doctor first.
- People who are getting immuno-oncology treatment should talk to their doctor before getting the vaccine.
Additional Preventive Measures
The best way to keep yourself from getting the flu is to get a vaccination against it. Here are some other things you can do to stay healthy:
- You need to keep yourself away from sick people.
- Always keep your hands clean.
- Keep your hands away from your face & do not touch your mouth, eyes, & nose.
Conclusion
To boost your immunity Flu Vaccination has an essential role that prevents us from different complications. This vaccination could be given to individuals with different age groups. It includes small children, adults & people suffering with chronic illness. Just take the healthy step for this vaccination to build a safety shield around you!
