Flu Vaccinations

Flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the windpipe and lungs. Flu vaccination by injection also known as the “flu jab” is an annual vaccination using vaccine specific for a year to protect from highly variable influenza virus. These are usually trivalent or quadrivalent containing three to four influenza strains mostly Type A subtype H1N1, Type A subtype H3N1, Type A subtype H3N2 and one or two type B strains. It can be administered as an injection known as a flu shot or also as a nasal spray.

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. It provides yearly protection against the virus. It might not completely stop the infection but would reduce the symptoms and the duration. It is administered every year in the start of October or November and can also be administered in January if the vaccines are available.

The vaccinations are usually advised for:

• The elderly (Age 65 or over)
• Pregnant women
• People having heart, liver and kidney diseases.
• Diabetics
• People living in residential or nursing homes
• The main caregiver of old or disabled people
• Immunity compromised people
• Health and social care workers

Flu Shot: The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated). Some minor side effects that may occur are:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Fever (low grade)
• Aches

The Nasal Spray: The viruses in the nasal spray vaccine are live attenuated viruses.

In children, side effects from the nasal spray may include:

• Runny nose
• Wheezing
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Muscle aches
• Fever

In adults, side effects from the nasal spray vaccine may include:

• Runny nose
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Cough

These side effects are mild and short-lasting, especially when compared to symptoms of a bad case of flu.

If suffering with flu then these precautions, if followed, can help in preventing further spread:

• Avoid close contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

• Stay home when you are sick

If possible, stay home from work, school and errands. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

• Cover your mouth and nose

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

• Clean your hands

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

Germs often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

• Practice other good health habits

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work and school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.