Why Do You Need to Get the "Influenza" Vaccine Every Year?

Why Do You Need to Get the "Influenza" Vaccine Every Year?

      Influenza, or the flu, is a disease that can affect us at any time, especially when there are changes in the weather. It can strike individuals with weakened immune systems or those who come into close contact with people carrying the virus. Moreover, it's a disease that can have a significant impact on the body and cannot be treated with over-the-counter medication or simply by resting. Many people who have received the influenza vaccine may wonder why they need to get it every year, especially if they received it just last year. Today, we have the answers for everyone.

• The influenza virus undergoes changes every year.
• Immunity developed after vaccination is specific to the particular strain of the virus causing the disease.
• It takes about two weeks after vaccination for immunity to develop, and it lasts for approximately one year.
• If you don't receive the vaccine within a year, even if it's the same strain, you may still contract the flu.
• Even if you've had the flu before, it's still necessary to get the influenza vaccine to boost your immunity.
  

Symptoms of influenza :

      After being infected, there is an incubation period of 1-4 days, after which respiratory symptoms, both upper and lower, typically occur. Key symptoms may include:

• High fever
• Muscle aches and extreme fatigue
• Runny nose and cough
  

• Respiratory epithelial cells are damaged, making them susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. This can lead to conditions like middle ear inflammation or pneumonia.
• Increased inflammation of blood vessels can lead to an increased risk of fatty deposits rupturing and blocking blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart and blood vessel complications.
• Inflammation of the airways can lead to severe conditions like lung disease, asthma, and severe emphysema.
• Abnormalities in the metabolism system can cause elevated blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes, worsening their condition.
• High fever leads to dehydration, affecting kidney function.

• Provides 70% to 90% protection against influenza.
• Reduces the incidence of middle ear infections in children by 36%.
• Protects individuals over 65 years old from influenza by 60%.
• Reduces the mortality rate from influenza in individuals over 65 years old by 70% to 80%.

      While vaccination cannot provide 100% immunity, individuals who receive the influenza vaccine for prevention may experience milder symptoms if infected compared to those who didn't get vaccinated. Not getting vaccinated can increase the risk of various complications and make it easier to be hospitalized or even result in death compared to those who have received the vaccine.

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