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Vaccination to prevent influenza infection must be adjusted according to the type of influenza virus expected to circulate each year. In early October 2019, the influenza strain will change from the Southern Strain to the Northern Strain, and the virus strains used to produce the vaccine will change for 2 out of 4 strains, including Influenza A strain Michigan (H1N1) changing to Influenza A strain Brisbane (H1N1), and Influenza A strain Switzerland (H3N2) changing to Influenza A strain Kansas (H3N2). However, for Influenza B virus, the strains remain the same, including Influenza B strain Colorado and Influenza B strain Phuket.
In Thailand, influenza outbreaks occur throughout the year but are more common during the rainy and winter seasons. Therefore, it is necessary to get vaccinated every year to boost immunity. Repeat vaccination can be done within 6 months to 1 year.
<h2>Symptoms of Influenza</h2>
The incubation period is 1-4 days, causing symptoms in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. The main prominent symptoms include
 
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<li>High fever </li>
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<li>Muscle aches and severe fatigue </li>
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</ul>
 
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<li>Runny nose and cough </li>
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</ul>
 
In Thailand, this disease accounts for up to 48% of patients with acute respiratory infections, especially during outbreaks. The disease is usually mild and resolves on its own within 5-7 days, but pneumonia or complications requiring hospitalization and death may occur, especially in people at high risk for influenza (those with certain health problems and the elderly).
 
<h2>Effects on the Body When Infected with Influenza</h2>
 
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<li>Respiratory epithelial cells are damaged, allowing secondary bacterial infections such as otitis media or pneumonia. </li>
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</ul>
 
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<li>Increased vascular inflammation raises the risk of plaque rupture and blood vessel blockage, increasing the risk of heart and vascular events. </li>
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</ul>
 
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<li>Bronchial inflammation causes exacerbation of lung diseases such as asthma and emphysema, with more severe symptoms. </li>
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</ul>
 
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<li>Metabolic abnormalities occur; diabetic patients may have elevated blood sugar levels, worsening diabetes symptoms. </li>
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</ul>
 
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<li>High fever causes dehydration, leading to kidney dysfunction. </li>
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</ul>
<h2>Who Should Get Vaccinated?</h2>
Because high-risk groups may experience severe symptoms or complications from influenza, including those who closely care for these groups, the following people should receive the influenza vaccine:
 
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<li>Children aged 6 months and older </li>
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</ul>
 
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<li>Elderly people aged 65 years and older</li>
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</ul>
 
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<li>People with chronic diseases such as lung disease, asthma, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, liver disease, cancer, diabetes, and immunocompromised individuals</li>
</ul>
</ul>
 
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<li>People with a BMI over 35 or weighing more than 100 kilograms</li>
</ul>
</ul>
 
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<li>People with brain disabilities who cannot care for themselves</li>
</ul>
</ul>
 
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<li>Pregnant women at 4 months of gestation or more</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<li>Healthcare personnel and laboratory staff</li>
<li>People traveling abroad to countries such as the United States, Europe, China, and countries with influenza outbreaks</li>
</ul>
 
<h2>Benefits of Influenza Vaccination</h2>
 
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<li>Prevents influenza by 70 to 90% </li>
</ul>
</ul>
 
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<li>Reduces middle ear infections by 36% in children </li>
</ul>
</ul>
 
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<li>Prevents influenza by 60% in elderly people over 65 years old</li>
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</ul>
 
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<li>Reduces mortality from influenza by 70 to 80% in elderly people over 65 years old</li>
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</ul>
 
<h2>Benefits of Influenza Vaccination in Diabetic Patients</h2>
 
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<li>Reduces hospitalization by 79% </li>
</ul>
</ul>
 
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<li>Reduces complications by 56% </li>
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</ul>
 
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<li>Reduces mortality from influenza infection by 28%</li>
</ul>
</ul>
 
<h2>Benefits of Influenza Vaccination in Heart Disease Patients</h2>
 
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<li>Reduces mortality from influenza infection by 75% </li>
</ul>
</ul>
 
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<li>Reduces cardiovascular events by 30% </li>
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</ul>
 
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<li>Reduces stroke incidence by 24%</li>
</ul>
</ul>
 
<div style="text-align: right;">For more information&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">Internal Medicine Center and Vaccine Center, 1st Floor, Building A, Phyathai 2 Hospital&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">Tel. 02-617-2444 ext. 4104, 4106 Phyathai Call Center 1772</div>

Vaccination to prevent influenza infection must be adjusted according to the type of influenza virus expected to circulate each year. In Thailand, outbreaks can occur throughout the year but are more common during the rainy season and in January.

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