Understanding Influenza and Its Prevention Methods
Learn about influenza, its symptoms, risks, and the importance of vaccination. This guide covers the flu vaccine's composition, mechanism, schedule, and safety tips to protect yourself and your loved ones during flu season. Stay informed and take preventive action against influenza with expert-approved methods.
Understanding Influenza and Its Prevention Methods
Overview
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. Since antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms such as fever and body aches. Antiviral drugs administered within 48 hours can help shorten illness duration. Rest and hydration are crucial for recovery. Without proper management or in immunocompromised individuals, the flu can lead to severe complications like pneumonia. Achieving immunity through vaccination is essential for prevention.
The quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine, marketed as Fluarix Tetra, offers protection against four influenza strains. Its composition includes antigens targeting the following viruses:
- A/Michigan/45/2015-like (H1N1)pdm09
- A/Hong Kong/4801/2014-like (H3N2)
- B/Brisbane/60/2008-like
- B/Phuket/3073/2013-like
Action Mechanism
The vaccine stimulates the body's immune response, producing antibodies against the haemagglutinins of the targeted virus strains. These antibodies help prevent infection by neutralizing the viruses before they cause illness.
Administration Schedule
The influenza vaccine is recommended annually, ideally before the start of flu season in October.
Who Should Receive It
People aged 3 years and older are advised to get vaccinated. Children between 3 to 9 years without prior vaccination should receive a second dose after four weeks.
Precautionary Measures
- Review patient vaccination history and previous adverse reactions.
- Ensure medical supervision is available to handle allergic reactions.
- Delay vaccination if the individual has a severe febrile illness.
- Avoid intravenous administration; injection must be intramuscular.
- Exercise caution in individuals with bleeding disorders.
- Use when necessary during pregnancy, weighing benefits vs. risks.
Possible Side Effects
Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and loss of appetite. Less frequently, individuals may experience dizziness, rash, swelling, or fever. Rare reactions include hematoma and itching at the injection site.
Method of Delivery
The vaccine is administered via intramuscular injection into the deltoid muscle or thigh, depending on the individual's physique. To prevent severe allergic reactions, it should never be given intravenously or subcutaneously. A single 0.5 ml dose is sufficient for protection at each vaccination.
