Flu or the Influenza

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and can lead to hospitalization and death. Every year in the United States, millions of people are sickened, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized and thousands or tens of thousands of people die from the flu.

Anyone can get the flu (even healthy people) and serious problems related to the flu can happen at any age, but some people are a higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children.

The best way and most important step to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalization

VACCINATION

What are the benefits of Flu Vaccine?

Some importance of the flu vaccine is mentioned below:
• The flu vaccination will prevent you from being sick with the flu.
• Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of hospitalization associated with flu for children, adults of working age, and older adults.
• In some studies, the flu vaccine has been shown to decrease influenza symptoms in individuals who get vaccinated but still get sick.
• Getting vaccinated not only saves you but also peoples around you.

What are the things to consider before getting a Flu Shot?
• If you have any of the conditions below, talk to your health care provider. He or she will help you decide whether the vaccination is right for you.
• If you are currently sick or unwell, it is best if you wait until you’re better.
• Children who are under the age of 6 months are too young to get a flu shot.
• If you have any allergy to eggs or other ingredients that is present in the vaccine.
• People with a Guillain-Barré Syndrome a severe paralyzing illness, also called GBS should not get a flu vaccine. Consult your doctor about your GBS history.

When is the right time to get a Flu Vaccine?
• Although you can get a flu shot during the flu season at any time, the timing of getting it does matter.
• The CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) suggests people in the northern hemisphere get vaccinated between early September and late October.
According to the Nepali calendar, the month lies between Bhadra and Asoj.
Dosage and Administration
• An intramuscular injection of the following doses and immunization of one dose is necessary for every year at the same volume.
• 6 months—35 months old: a single dose of 0.5ml intramuscular injection
• 3–8 years old: A single dose of 0.5ml intramuscular injection
• 9 years and older: A single dose of 0.5ml intramuscular injection

Side Effects
Local reaction: redness, swelling, pain
Systemic reaction: fever, rigor, headache, fatigue, and vomiting (disappear within 2-3 days)
In minor cases: Encephalomyelitis, anaphylactic shock, GBS

Primera Hospital has walk-in appointments for all kinds of vaccines available in our hospital including Hepatitis B. We are open on all weekdays