Vaccination against influenza

Influenza is a severe acute respiratory viral disease characterized by high contagiousness, which can usually be observed in autumn, winter and early spring. Influenza is caused by special varieties of orthomyxoviruses of the genus Influenzavirus, which are transmitted by airborne droplets and household contact.

No matter how many people are skeptical about this disease, the flu belongs to the category of dangerous, as it can provoke a number of serious complications. It is precisely in order to prevent influenza outbreaks that the composition of the vaccine is updated annually with WHO recommendations to specifically combat viruses, the most likely circulation of which is expected in the next upcoming season.

Flu shot algorithm

Since the eighteenth century, vaccination has been used as a means to prevent various diseases. But an effective flu vaccine was not developed until the mid-twentieth century.

The vaccine stimulates the body’s natural defenses by producing antibodies – cells of the immune system that prevent the reproduction of viruses and infection of the cell. Antibodies manage to recognize the pathogen and respond to it instantly. Thanks to this, the disease is prevented even before its onset.

But in order to determine the danger, the immune system needs a certain period of time, immunity is developed 10-14 days after vaccination. Before the period of activation of immunity to fight against the virus, its cells are already actively multiplying and spreading throughout the body. Ultimately, the virus is destroyed, but only the immune system will require the involvement of more resources.

Immune cells have a memory in which the type of antigens of the virus that caused the disease is recorded. It is for this reason that the next time they are infected with the same antigen, the immune cells immediately eliminate the threat. What is a vaccine? It is a biological preparation containing a weakened and inactivated influenza virus or its particles.

Vaccination is and remains one of the safest and most reliable ways to preserve and protect your body from autumn to spring. Acquired immunity is short-lived and species-specific, requiring annual vaccination. Viral disease actively progresses in the off-season and is less common during severe frosts.

In the first three days after vaccination, the following symptoms may occur: fever, malaise, redness and induration at the injection site, soreness. The symptoms should pass quickly. If side effects increase, it is necessary to contact a general practitioner at the place of residence.

Pros and cons of flu shots

Vaccination is not a panacea for all ills. It has both certain advantages and disadvantages. Some of the benefits of influenza vaccination include:

• preventive procedure, therefore, it does not cure, but prevents the disease;
• stimulates the activity of the immune system;
• suitable for young children;
• the effectiveness of the vaccination is observed in eighty percent of cases;
• the procedure is painless and fast.

A clear disadvantage of the procedure is a wide range of contraindications, including the presence of an allergic reaction to the components of the vaccine (especially egg white), a negative reaction to previous forms of vaccination, congenital diseases of the central nervous system, the age of the child under six months, the first trimester of pregnancy, exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Vaccination during the autumn period is highly recommended for the following groups of people:

• with blood diseases, bronchial asthma, diabetes;
• with reduced immunity (AIDS disease);
• with the presence of diseases of the kidneys, lungs, cardiovascular system;
• patients over sixty years of age;
• children over six months old.

The above groups of people are very sensitive to viruses, therefore, they are as vulnerable as possible. In addition, influenza vaccination has been introduced as mandatory for some population groups.

Such groups include employees of preschool and school institutions, medical workers, workers in the trade industry and other areas of activity where there is frequent contact with a large number of people. For the same purpose, immunization of childcare personnel in hospitals, children’s groups, and persons from the group of “home” contacts is indicated.

Vaccination is also strongly recommended for all citizens who suffer from chronic diseases of the respiratory system (bronchial asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), cardiovascular system (chronic heart failure, hypertension with complications on the heart muscle, congenital heart disease). ), kidneys (kidney transplantation, nephrotic syndrome, chronic type renal failure), liver (chronic hepatitis, biliary atresia, cirrhosis), diabetes.

Types of vaccination

To date, there are two ways of introducing a vaccine into the body, which directly depend on the type of vaccine. If it contains weakened virus cells, then the method of drip injection into the nasal cavity is used. If the vaccine contains inactivated components of the virus, then the introduction is made intramuscularly. For adults, the injection is given in the upper arm, and for young children, it is given in the thigh. It should be noted that the vaccine is strictly contraindicated to be administered intravenously, as serious side effects can be provoked. Vaccination is carried out free of charge in all urban polyclinics of the country, as well as at the location of organized adult and children’s groups.

Effectiveness of flu shots

Modern influenza vaccines contain elements of three strains of the influenza virus. WHO actively selects strains, depending on the likelihood of an epidemic. Information about the strains that will be part of the influenza vaccine can be found on the official WHO website in the month of May each year.

The duration of immunity depends on the type of vaccine. If a live vaccine is used, the effect will be observed for a longer period of time. A live vaccine enhances the protective properties of the body for an average of 12 months. An inactivated vaccine stimulates immunity for six to eight months. But when choosing the type of vaccine, you need to consider the range of contraindications for using a live vaccine.

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