Influenza: avoid the threat by getting vaccinated!

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people worldwide die from flu complications. Contrary to popular myths, the flu is not just a "cold," but a fairly serious infectious disease. Understanding the dangers of the flu helps people make timely decisions about protection, since it affects vulnerable groups most severely: children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with chronic conditions.

Why is the FLU dangerous?!

Acute respiratory viral infections account for 95% of all infectious disease cases worldwide, and the flu sits at the top of the infectious disease pyramid. Unlike other viruses, it is extremely insidious and aggressive. When the first symptoms of flu develop, patients face very unpleasant manifestations:

• sudden severe weakness
• a sharp rise in temperature
• muscle and throat pain
• cough
• runny nose
• heavy sweating.

But this isn't the main problem. The main danger is complications.

The flu most often affects the lungs (viral pneumonia), the heart (myocarditis), and the nervous system (encephalitis). In addition, the flu significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes in older people for weeks after recovery.

Who is at risk?

Some people are more likely than others to encounter the flu virus and develop complications. These include:

• children under 3-4 years old;
• elderly people;
• those who are overweight;
• expectant mothers;
• patients with chronic lung and cardiovascular diseases;
• people with diabetes;
• people taking immunosuppressants.

How to prevent it?

Of course, prevention is far better than treatment. There are nonspecific and specific methods of preventing the flu.

1.Nonspecific prevention (Hygiene)

1. The flu virus is transmitted through airborne droplets and contaminated surfaces.
2. Wash your hands: often and thoroughly (at least 20 seconds).
3. Coughing etiquette: use your elbow or a disposable tissue, not your palms.
4. Ventilation: the virus "loves" closed, dry air.
5. Distance: avoid close contact with people showing signs of illness.

2.Specific prevention (Vaccination)

Vaccination is the only reliable way to prepare the immune system. Ukraine has access to modern quadrivalent vaccines (protecting against 4 relevant virus strains: two type A and two type B). Timely flu prevention allows the body to develop protective antibodies before the start of the epidemic season.

The following vaccines are available in Ukraine:

• Vaxigrip Tetra (France)
• GC Flu Quadrivalent (South Korea)

Both vaccines are safe and can be given even to infants from 6 months of age.

When should you get vaccinated?

Autumn is the most favorable time, meaning before the virus begins to spread widely. However, it's not too late to get vaccinated throughout the entire flu season (even in January–March), since waves of illness can continue even into spring. Immunity develops 9–13 days after vaccination and lasts for 12 months. Vaccination should be done every year.

Please note! If a child (aged from 6 months to 9 years) has never been vaccinated against the flu before, the shots are given in two stages with a 4-week interval between them. The following year, only 1 dose will be needed.

Flu vaccination does not protect against all acute respiratory viral infections, but it does protect against the most severe forms of the disease and fatal outcomes. Choosing to get vaccinated is an act of responsibility toward yourself and your loved ones.

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