Many individuals use the time period flu to discuss with any sickness brought on by a virus, such because the frequent chilly or abdomen flu, and this will result in confusion. Nevertheless, the influenza virus causes a respiratory sickness that tends to be extra extreme than these viruses and is extra prone to trigger issues. So, lets focus on some considerations which can be frequent, data at present accessible and the suggestions that Well being Canada offers concerning the flu vaccine.
“Influenza is just not a critical sickness. I’ll be okay if I get the flu.”
In years when influenza is widespread in Canada, individuals might die from influenza or its issues, reminiscent of pneumonia. Influenza can result in critical sickness in seniors 65 years and older and in different high-risk teams. Getting a flu shot protects not solely you, but additionally helps to restrict the unfold of flu to individuals round you. You might need delicate signs that really feel like a chilly however somebody extra susceptible might undergo critical penalties. Older adults, younger kids, pregnant ladies at any stage of being pregnant, and people with immune system issues or different medical circumstances can turn out to be very in poor health from the flu. If you get the flu shot it helps to guard them as nicely.
“I’ve by no means had influenza, so I don’t must get a Flu shot.”
Signs of influenza can differ from delicate to extreme. Most individuals doubtless get sick with influenza a number of occasions throughout their lives. The influenza virus is all the time evolving so this makes it essential to get the up to date vaccine every year. The vaccine is designed to guard you towards essentially the most dangerous strains that triggered pandemics prior to now reminiscent of H1N1 or H2N2. In the event you do get the flu, the signs might be much less extreme than if you weren’t vaccinated in any respect.
“I acquired the flu after my flu shot”
Flu photographs can’t trigger influenza sickness. Most flu photographs include inactivated or killed influenza viruses. An exception is the nasal spray flu vaccine which accommodates stay weakened strains of influenza, however it can’t trigger influenza an infection both. Nevertheless, through the fall and winter there are a lot of various kinds of viruses that may trigger influenza-like signs like colds, COVID-19 and RSV. No vaccines can guarantee 100% safety from catching a virus, and so they take about 2 weeks to achieve their full effectiveness. In the event you do get influenza, the vaccine is designed to lower how unhealthy the signs are and the chance of extreme sickness, issues, hospitalization, and even dying.
“Getting an influenza vaccine yearly weakens my immune system.”
Every year the influenza vaccines are up to date to attempt to match the strains of influenza circulating. If you get your annual flu shot it ensures you might be getting the perfect safety towards the brand new strains. The flu shot doesn’t overwork your immune system, it trains your immune system to have the ability to assault the virus shortly when it enters your physique.
We hope you could have found new data, have resolved frequent considerations that many individuals have concerning the Flu virus and the vaccine and that helps you make the perfect choice for you and your family members. We will’t wait to welcome you to our pharmacy!