Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. It can be easily transmitted through breathing in droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through contact by touching hands or contaminated objects with nasal mucus, saliva, or sputum from the infected person, then touching one’s own eye or nasal mucous membranes.
What kind of fever… is at risk for “influenza”?
Patients with influenza usually have a high fever, muscle aches, cough, and runny nose. Most cases are mild and recover on their own within 5-7 days. However, some may experience severe symptoms and complications such as pneumonia, requiring hospitalization and possibly resulting in death.
Did you know? The influenza vaccine needs to be given every year!
The influenza vaccine is made from inactivated influenza viruses and does not cause influenza in those vaccinated. The vaccine is administered by intramuscular injection in the upper arm once a year. The appropriate time for vaccination in Thailand is before the outbreak season, which is before the rainy or winter seasons, approximately from May to October. This is because the influenza virus frequently changes strains and naturally evolves, causing seasonal outbreaks every year.
Therefore, the influenza vaccine is produced according to standards announced by the World Health Organization, based on the strains likely to spread in the upcoming season. The general public should receive the influenza vaccine annually.
Receiving the influenza vaccine
- Vaccination can start for individuals aged 6 months and older and can be received annually.
- Children under 9 years old receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time should receive 2 doses one month apart.
- Those at high risk of complications from influenza should receive the vaccine, including:
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years
- Children and adolescents aged 6 months to 18 years who require long-term aspirin therapy
- Individuals aged 65 years and older
- People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, emphysema, heart disease, or kidney failure
- Individuals with immunodeficiency
- Women planning to become pregnant
- People who have the potential to spread influenza to those at high risk of complications, including:
- Family members, caregivers of children and the elderly, as well as doctors, nurses, healthcare workers involved in patient care, travelers, and those who meet or live with many people
Who should “avoid” receiving the influenza vaccine?
- Those who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous influenza vaccine
- Those severely allergic to eggs or any components of the vaccine (the influenza vaccine does not contain antibiotics or preservatives)
- If you have a fever or are unwell, vaccination should be postponed until recovery (mild colds without fever can still receive the vaccine)
Possible side effects after receiving the influenza vaccine
- Severe allergic reactions may occur, but these are very rare. Most people who receive the influenza vaccine do not experience any problems.
- Common reactions after vaccination include pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site, which usually resolve within 1-2 days.
- Fever, headache, muscle aches, or general discomfort may occur but typically resolve within 1-2 days.
- If there is pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site, apply a cold compress. If other unusual symptoms occur, consult a doctor.
Note:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women can receive the influenza vaccine.
- Inform your doctor if you have had Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
- Even after vaccination, there is still a chance of contracting influenza if the circulating virus strains change or if the vaccine’s effectiveness is limited, so protection is not guaranteed for everyone vaccinated.
- If you have any questions, consult a doctor.
