Medically Reviewed by Dr Ho Ying Jie (M.B.B.S. Singapore & Family Physician of Singapore Medical Council)
Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide every year. Though it can be mild in some cases, the flu can also lead to severe complications, especially for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
Even if it doesn’t lead to complications, it can inconvenience yours or your family’s life as those who get the bug have to go on medical leave to rest!
The best defense against this contagious virus is the flu vaccine. In this article, we’ll explore why the flu vaccine is your best bet for avoiding influenza, how it works, and what you need to know about getting vaccinated.
What is the Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccine is a preventive measure designed to protect individuals from contracting the influenza virus. It contains inactivated or weakened versions of the virus, which help your immune system recognize and fight off the real virus if you are exposed to it. The flu vaccine is typically administered via injection, though nasal spray versions are also available for certain age groups.
Every 6 months, the flu vaccine is updated to include the strains of the virus that are predicted to be the most common during the upcoming flu season. Depending on the season, it usually is separated to the northern or southern hemisphere strains. The current recommendation to keep your immunity up to date, is an annual vaccination as these seasonal vaccines have an overlap in the strains that they cover.
This makes it essential to get vaccinated annually, as the circulating flu strains change over time. By getting the flu vaccine, you significantly reduce your risk of contracting the virus and passing it on to others.
How Does the Flu Vaccine Work?
The flu vaccine works by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies that can recognize and fight off the flu virus. These antibodies are proteins that specifically target the influenza virus and neutralize it before it can cause illness. When you receive the flu vaccine, it takes about two weeks for your body to develop these protective antibodies.
The vaccine helps your immune system prepare for a potential encounter with the flu virus, ensuring that it is ready to respond more effectively and quickly if you are exposed to the virus. This response can either prevent you from getting sick or significantly reduce the severity of the illness if you do contract the flu.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of six months receive an annual flu vaccine, with rare exceptions. Certain groups of people are particularly encouraged to get vaccinated because they are at higher risk for serious complications from the flu. These groups include:
- Children younger than 5, particularly those under 2 years old.
- Adults 65 years and older.
- Pregnant women.
- Individuals with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.
- Healthcare workers and caregivers who are regularly exposed to vulnerable populations.
It’s important to note that getting the flu vaccine not only protects you but also helps protect those around you. Herd immunity, which occurs when a significant portion of the population is vaccinated, reduces the spread of the virus and helps protect people who cannot get vaccinated due to medical reasons.
When Should You Get the Flu Vaccine?
The timing of your flu vaccine is critical in ensuring that you are protected during flu season. The flu season typically starts in the fall and peaks in the winter, but it can last as late as spring. Experts recommend getting the flu vaccine by the end of October, but it’s never too late to get vaccinated, even if flu season is already underway.
The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to become fully effective, so getting vaccinated early in the season provides the most comprehensive protection. However, even if you miss the early vaccination window, receiving the flu vaccine later in the season can still offer valuable protection, particularly if the virus continues to circulate.
Effectiveness of the Flu Vaccine
While the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, it remains the most reliable tool in preventing influenza. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary from year to year, depending on how well the vaccine matches the circulating strains of the virus. In some years, the match is better than in others, resulting in higher effectiveness rates.
Even in years when the vaccine is less effective, it still provides significant benefits. Research has shown that individuals who receive the flu vaccine and still contract the virus tend to experience less severe symptoms and have a reduced risk of complications, such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and death.
One of the key benefits of the flu vaccine is its ability to protect against multiple strains of the virus. The standard flu vaccine typically covers three to four strains of the virus, providing broad protection throughout the flu season.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About the Flu Vaccine
Despite its proven effectiveness, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding the flu vaccine. One of the most common myths is that the flu vaccine can give you the flu. This is not true. The flu vaccine contains either inactivated virus particles or a weakened live virus that cannot cause illness. Any mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever, are typically short-lived and far less severe than the flu itself.
Another misconception is that healthy people don’t need the flu vaccine. In reality, even healthy individuals are at risk of contracting and spreading the flu. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to the overall health of your community by reducing the spread of the virus.
The Importance of Annual Flu Vaccination
Annual flu vaccination is crucial because the flu virus changes and evolves from year to year. This is why the flu vaccine is reformulated annually to match the most prevalent strains circulating during the season. Immunity from the flu vaccine also wanes over time, so getting vaccinated each year is necessary to maintain optimal protection.
In addition to providing protection for yourself and those around you, the annual flu vaccine plays a vital role in public health. High vaccination rates help prevent widespread outbreaks of the flu, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and protecting those who are most vulnerable to severe illness.
How to Get the Flu Vaccine
Getting the flu vaccine is simple and accessible. Many healthcare providers, pharmacies, clinics, and even employers offer flu vaccinations during flu season. Most insurance plans cover the cost of the flu vaccine, making it a convenient and affordable option for nearly everyone.
Protect Your Health: Schedule Your Flu Vaccine at Keystone Medical Today
The flu vaccine is your best bet for avoiding influenza and protecting both yourself and your loved ones from this potentially dangerous virus. By getting vaccinated each year, you significantly reduce your risk of contracting the flu and passing it on to others.
Even if you do get sick, the flu vaccine can help reduce the severity of your symptoms and prevent serious complications.
Don’t wait until flu season is in full swing—take action today to safeguard your health. Visit Keystone Medical to schedule your flu vaccine and protect yourself and your family from influenza this season.
References
Mayoclinic.org. 2023. Flu Shot: Your Best Bet for Avoiding Influenza. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/in-depth/flu-shots/art-20048000
Kidschoicepediatrics.com. Flu Shot – Your Best Bet for Avoiding Influenza. https://www.kidschoicepediatrics.com/2018/09/flu-shot-your-best-bet-for-avoiding-influenza/
Healthhub.sg. Why You Need a Flu Shot (and When to Get It). https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-you-definitely-need-to-get-a-flu-shot-this-year