Is the flu vaccine necessary?

The flu vaccine is a vaccine used to prevent influenza. Any healthy person can get the flu vaccine. The immunity after using the flu vaccine is effective for one year. Getting the flu vaccine can effectively reduce the chance of infection with influenza and can also alleviate the symptoms of influenza, so getting the flu vaccine is a very effective measure.

There are many groups of people who are very suitable for influenza vaccination, including the elderly, children, people with weaker constitutions, doctors who often come into contact with patients in hospitals, and people who often work in public places with a large number of people. Influenza vaccination is generally given in the season when influenza is more prevalent each year, so that the effect is best. Let us learn about the relevant content of influenza vaccination below, hoping it will be helpful to you.

Basic Introduction

Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza viruses that can cause large-scale epidemics. Compared with the common cold, influenza has more severe symptoms, is more contagious, and is not effectively treated with antibiotics. But influenza is preventable, and influenza vaccination is currently the most effective

Prevention methods.

"Among different age groups, children are most susceptible to influenza. Among them, the incidence rate among preschool children exceeds 40%, and that among school students can reach 30%." To prevent complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, otitis media, pericarditis, encephalitis, nephrotic syndrome, etc. caused by influenza, children over 6 months old and primary school students should be vaccinated with influenza vaccine in time before the arrival of winter.

Understanding Misunderstandings

Myth 1: Flu vaccination prevents colds

No, getting a flu shot does not mean you will never catch a cold again[1]. The flu shot is only targeted at influenza and will only produce antibodies against the influenza virus, but it has no ability to prevent or resist colds caused by bacteria, other viruses, or mycoplasmas. Therefore, some children catch a cold after receiving the flu vaccine, and their parents think that the vaccine is ineffective, but this is not the case. Common colds also require daily careful care and strengthening of children's own exercise.

Myth 2: Getting a flu shot is a permanent solution

No, getting a flu vaccine once does not mean "lifelong benefits". You should know that there are many types of viruses, and the viruses that cause flu are different every year, so the flu vaccine cannot be a one-time solution.

Vaccine benefits

1. Flu vaccines effectively reduce the chance of getting flu and alleviate flu symptoms.

2. Prevent the occurrence of serious complications such as pneumonia and myocarditis.

3. Influenza vaccination can reduce the chance of humans being infected with both human and avian influenza viruses and reduce the risk of a new influenza virus pandemic.

Vaccine Targeted

The flu vaccine cannot cure all colds. It can prevent influenza viruses, but it cannot prevent the occurrence of the common cold. It can only relieve the symptoms of the common cold and shorten the cold cycle. Moreover, even if you are vaccinated against influenza, it will take half a month for antibodies to be produced and achieve the purpose of prevention.

Everyone knows the relevant knowledge about influenza vaccines. It is up to the individual to get the vaccine or not. If your living and working environment is good and you are in good health, you can choose not to get the vaccine. However, if you have a relatively strong resistance or are more susceptible to influenza, it is recommended that you get the influenza vaccine.