Can I continue to get the flu vaccine when I have flu-like symptoms? How long does the flu vaccine take effect, and how should we protect it … The authoritative answer is coming!
Has developed flu-like symptoms.
Can I continue to get the flu vaccine?
If flu-like symptoms have already appeared, it is recommended to continue the flu vaccination after the diagnosis and self-recovery.
The main reasons are as follows: First, the symptoms of respiratory tract infection are not specific, and flu-like symptoms such as fever and headache may appear in various pathogenic infections. However, these symptoms are not necessarily caused by influenza virus, but also by other pathogens, the most common being the common cold. Second, there are many types and subtypes of influenza virus that can cause epidemic, and influenza vaccine covers many multivalent vaccines of different types and subtypes. If you are vaccinated after being infected with a certain type of influenza, which contains other types of influenza components, you can still play a role in preventing this type of influenza.
In addition, in the same epidemic season, it is usually prevalent by different types and subtypes. For example, at present, it is mainly subtype A H3N2. Followed by influenza B, in the past, there have been cases in which the dominant strains gradually changed from one type to another in the same epidemic season. Therefore, even if the flu symptoms have appeared recently, it is recommended to get flu vaccine as soon as possible after recovery, especially for key groups such as the elderly. Vaccination can reduce infection and reduce the risk of severe illness and death.
At present, everyone is interested in vaccination
What are the concerns?
The first is the danger of influenza. Influenza is not a common cold, but an acute respiratory disease caused by influenza virus. People are generally susceptible to influenza virus, especially infants, the elderly and patients with chronic basic diseases. The health impact or harm of these people infected with influenza will be more serious, and complications such as pneumonia may occur.
The second is the effectiveness of the vaccine. Current scientific research and vaccination practice have proved that influenza vaccination is effective in preventing influenza. Take the high-risk population who may have a higher risk of severe illness after being infected with influenza — — For the elderly, influenza vaccination can effectively reduce the incidence of influenza and the incidence of influenza-related complications. For children and school students, influenza vaccination can prevent or reduce the incidence of influenza. In addition, vaccination can also reduce the absenteeism rate of students due to influenza.
Finally, the safety of the vaccine. Influenza vaccine has been used all over the world, including China, for decades. Long-term vaccination practice suggests that it is a relatively mature vaccine and has good safety.
How long will it take to get the flu vaccine to have a protective effect?
Before that, how should we protect ourselves?
In addition to influenza vaccination this winter and next spring, pneumococcal vaccine and Covid-19 vaccine are also recommended for the elderly and people with chronic basic diseases. For children, it is suggested that non-immunization programs such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenzae type B conjugate vaccine should be inoculated on the basis of continuing immunization program vaccination. No matter whether it is an immunization program vaccine or a non-immunization program vaccine, the requirements of vaccination specifications should be strictly followed during the vaccination process.
Influenza vaccine usually has a protective effect after two weeks of vaccination, but respiratory diseases are easy to spread, so it is necessary to develop good personal hygiene habits and healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of infection of respiratory diseases. Specifically including:
One is to wear masks scientifically. If you go to a closed environment and crowded places, take public transport or go to the hospital, it is recommended to wear a mask and pay attention to changing it in time.
The second is to develop good personal hygiene habits. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with paper towels or towels. Wash your hands or disinfect your hands in time after touching public facilities such as elevator buttons and door handles, and after coughing or sneezing.
The third is to develop a healthy lifestyle. In daily life, we should keep enough sleep, adequate nutrition and proper physical exercise to enhance our physical fitness and improve our immunity.
In addition, daily attention should be paid to keeping the environment in the home and workplace clean, and opening windows regularly for ventilation.