Influenza or flu is a severe respiratory infection coming from the influenza virus. Almost every year, there is an outbreak of influenza.
Are you concerned about catching this infection? This article will give you a detailed guide about an influenza vaccine and how it can help you in the long run!
An influenza vaccine can boost your immune system and protect you from getting infected by the four common influenza viruses. Healthcare practitioners advice most people, particularly kids, to take this vaccine mandatorily.
As the name suggests, the influenza vaccine protects you from developing an influenza infection. Initially, the flu seems like a common cold, with symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and coughing. However, in time, influenza intensifies to develop headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, eye pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Influenza vaccine forms antibodies within about two weeks of the vaccination. These antibodies strengthen your immune system to fight against the influenza virus. As flu is often considered a seasonal disease, it is ideal for getting an influenza vaccine by the end of October. Two types of vaccines are commonly available.
Apart from that, many countries use trivalent vaccines, including influenza A (H3N2), pandemic A (H1N1) and 1 of 2 influenza B lineage viruses. Therefore, children need to take these vaccines at the earliest to avoid getting infected in future.
The benefits of an influenza vaccine are as follows.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone over six months can take this vaccine. However, it is mandatory for the higher-risk groups, including the following.
Kids between the age group of 6 months and four years should get this vaccine. Infants are at high risk of exposure to this disease since their immune system is still developing. Therefore, parents should take this vaccine once the children are over six months of age.
People aged 65 years or more should also get this vaccine. As they get older, their immune system starts falling apart. As a result, they are most likely to get infected by the influenza vaccine during the seasonal periods. This vaccine can protect them from getting influenza.
Pregnant women are also at risk of getting this disease. Doctors, therefore, suggest they take this vaccine. Even if you are not pregnant but planning to soon, you should go for this vaccine. Moreover, women that recently gave birth should also take this vaccine.
People with a more fragile immune system from other medicines or illnesses should take this vaccine. They are naturally more prone to getting influenza during the peak seasons. Taking this vaccine will help them avoid the infection.
Both adults and children with chronic conditions should take this vaccine. Such conditions can include diabetes and asthma. These have chances of inviting influenza.
If your family members suffer from influenza or take care of a patient, you belong to a high-risk group. If the patients include children younger than five years old, you should consider getting an influenza vaccine.
The influenza vaccine can be suitable for anyone. However, this vaccine is not ideal for the following conditions in rare cases.
Now, you must be curious to know about the side effects of the influenza vaccine. Usually, this vaccine comes without any such major issues. However, you might face the following mild side effects after getting this vaccine.
These are the usual side effects of the influenza vaccine. You should contact your physician and take suitable medicines to avoid these issues.
Therefore, an influenza vaccine is essential for protecting you from catching the influenza virus and getting infected. As this article observed, children and infants should take this vaccine after six months of age. This vaccine can also help you avoid other viral infections and disorders, apart from controlling influenza.
Please try one more time!
Disclaimer #1: *Customer can choose options at the time of availing insurance. Premium amount may vary accordingly. Insured is required to disclose any pre-existing condition or on going treatment before policy issuance in the proposal form.
Disclaimer #2: This information is added only for informative purposes and collected from different sources across the Internet. Digit Insurance is not promoting or recommending anything here. Please verify the information before making any decisions.
Continue with {{twoWheelerCtrl.lastVisitedData.lastVisitedUrl.indexOf('DigitPaymentGateway/payments')
!== -1 ? 'payment
completion': 'previous
choice'}}
{{healthCtrl.lastVisitedData.dropOffPolicyHolderData ? 'Complete your purchase': healthCtrl.lastVisitedData.lastVisitedUrl.indexOf('plans-page')
!== -1 ? 'Continue Browsing' : 'Continue with your previous choice'}}
