Seasonal flu vaccinations are aimed at safeguarding people from all the illnesses whose causative agents are flu viruses. Prior to the administration of the vaccines, in-depth research is conducted to determine the infections and diseases whose prevalence is likely to be high during the oncoming season. Quadrivalent vaccines designed to offer protection against four flu viruses while trivalent ones guarantee protection from three viruses. This vaccination only protects people from flu infections and other related viruses.
Effectiveness of the Vaccine in Children and Adults
In normal circumstances, the flu vaccination works best in healthy children and elderly people. Children must be two years of age and older. The vaccine is less effective in children under the age of two and elderly people exceeding 65 years because the elderly people have a weak immune system with a slow or no response to vaccines.
How the Flu Vaccines Work
When the vaccines are administered, they cause the development of antibodies. This takes place in a range two weeks after vaccination. The antibodies are the ones that protect the body against the infections. Common infectious viruses that are compounded by the vaccine are influenza B, influenza A (H1N1), and influenza A (H3N2) viruses. In this case, it is the trivalent vaccination that is provided since it can fight the three viruses.
Why It’s Important to Get Vaccinated
Most flu viruses are highly contagious and it can spread fast. Even the healthiest person who has not been vaccinated can catch the infection within seconds and spread it to others. The virus leads to hospitalization of the infected individuals and in the worst circumstances, it leads to death. Medical research has it that for 31 seasons beginning 1976 to 2007, over 49,000 people lost their lives due to the flu infection.
It is a necessity to have a comprehensive and committed health provider at all times. This will help curb cases of death and painful suffering that result from lack of a flu vaccination. An effective pain management system provided by the medical professional also plays a significant role in safeguarding lives.
