Influenza Disease And Vaccination
Influenza is a viral disease which is contagious. Getting an influenza vaccination is known to be the best protection against all subtypes of influenza infection.
Advisory Committee of Vaccination & Immunization Practices (ACVIP)
*Indian Academy of Pediatrics
What should you do if you miss the vaccination?
CATCH-UP VACCINATION
If you miss out the dose of these vaccinations during the stipulated time, you can consult with your doctor for a Catch-up Vaccination.
- Influenza is different from a cold because the symptoms usually appear suddenly and are more severe.
- Immunity from vaccination decreases over time, so vaccination is needed annually to protect against influenza.
Talk to your doctor about the Influenza Vaccination.
Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a contagious, viral respiratory illness that usually infects the nose, throat, or lungs. It can pass easily from one person to another.
The primary mode of spread of influenza is through droplets spread by an infected person. Experts suggest that this infection could occur within a distance of at least six feet. Apart from that, infections may also occur when one touches a surface carrying the influenza virus. This could then be transferred from your hand, your mouth or nose, and sometimes even through the eyes.
One may also become a carrier, infecting other people, before they start experiencing the symptoms themselves.
Influenza is a disease affecting the respiratory system. The symptoms range from mild to severe and can lead to death. Some of the common symptoms of influenza are:
- Cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle or body aches
These symptoms can last for anywhere between a few days to two weeks.
In more severe cases, an infected person may develop complications such as pneumonia, which may prove fatal. Influenza infection is also known to trigger complications such as encephalitis, myocarditis, multi-organ failure, and more.
It is important to remember that flu is not the same as a cold. Also, while fever is a common symptom, it may not be experienced by everyone infected with the influenza virus.
For children, the influenza vaccination is available as follows:
Below 1 year:
Influenza vaccine should be started after 6 month, 2 doses 4 weeks apart.
1 year onwards:
Annual influenza vaccination should be continued for all, till 5 years of age.
Consult your doctor for more information on Influenza vaccination below and above 5 years of age.
While the side effects commonly associated with influenza vaccination may not affect everyone, here are some commonly observed side effects.
• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Muscle ache
• Dizziness or fainting
Apart from that, getting an Influenza shot may also lead to swelling or soreness at the site of the shot. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, they maybe signs of an allergic reaction.
• Rash
• Weakness
• Breathing difficulties
• Heart palpitations
• Wheezing
For more details on side effects, please consult your doctor.
FAQs
While getting vaccinated against influenza is a widely known way to prevent it, here are a few more practices that could help protect against it:
- Avoid direct contact with influenza patients. Maintain a distance of at least six feet.
- When sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth with a tissue or handkerchief.
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
- Avoid touching your face and ears.
In case you are experiencing an influenza infection, practice the following:
- Avoid contact with people
- Clean and disinfect your surroundings and any surfaces you may have come in contact with.
- Stay at home, at least till 24 hours after the fever has subsided.
While getting vaccinated against influenza is a widely known way to prevent it, here are a few more practices that could help protect against it:
- Avoid direct contact with influenza patients. Maintain a distance of at least six feet.
- When sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth with a tissue or handkerchief.
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
- Avoid touching your face and ears.
In case you are experiencing an influenza infection, practice the following:
- Avoid contact with people
- Clean and disinfect your surroundings and any surfaces you may have come in contact with.
- Stay at home, at least till 24 hours after the fever has subsided.
A public awareness initiative by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited. Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 030, India.
Information appearing in this material is for general awareness only. Nothing contained in this material constitutes medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any medical queries, any question or concern you may have regarding your condition. The disease list indicated for vaccination is not complete, please consult your child’s Paediatrician for the complete vaccination schedule. The doctor shown in this material is being used for illustrative purpose only and is a professional model. The disease representation icons/images and animation are for illustrative purpose only.
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