WHAT IS FLU SHOT?
The flu is a seasonal virus that damages the respiratory system. And a flu shot is a vaccine that prevents flu. It is particularly essential for people who are at high risk of acute illness.
Every season, the flu virus causes epidemics throughout the globe. 2020 is more difficult due to the corona pandemic spreading like the wildfire. Flu is a highly infectious virus. It leads to thousands of hospital admissions and deaths each year.
Flu Shot’s Pros and Cons
In the past few years, the flu shot was said to have a lot of controversies. Most experts now agree that it is safe to get the vaccine. It is among the popular seasonal solutions available at medical care centers. Nevertheless, it is advised to consider both benefits and disadvantages of flu shots before getting the vaccination.
Before we learn the flu shot benefits and disadvantages, it is crucial to understand the flu symptoms.
Flu Symptoms
You are probably familiar with the long list of flu symptoms. From a cough to body aches, everything can be indicative of flu. But, there are a couple of things you should learn. Firstly, not everyone with the flu will get a fever; secondly, kids are more likely to experience nausea than adults if they catch the flu.
If it is difficult to tell whether you are suffering from severe cold or flu, remember that flu comes unexpectedly, unlike cold. The typical flu symptoms are:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Headaches
Flu Symptoms 2020
The flu season in 2020 is unbelievably distinctive from the past years due to the corona outbreak. It took place in 2019-2020, just as the flu season was close. In this short overlap of time, many individuals were concerned about having flu symptoms that mirrored those COVID-19 symptoms, resulting in anxiety. The flu symptoms that are common with the COVID-19 include:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Infection
- Shortness of breath
The flu can also impair your sense of smell from nasal cells affected by congestion, yet another common symptom linked to the coronavirus. Even the spreading method of both are similar, i.e., the droplets from coming in close contact with the sufferers. So, how will you differentiate whether your symptoms are caused due to coronavirus or flu? Well, the right method will be to meet a doctor and get tested.
The flu shots are made available each year to protect people from getting poorly sick with the flu. But is it safe? Keep reading to find out more about the benefits and drawbacks of the flu shot.
Any expert medical practitioner will recommend that every individual over the age of 6 months should get the flu vaccine every year, perhaps at the beginning of the flu season. Technically, the influenza vaccination is delivered as a shot. It contains antigens for 3 or 4 most usual virus strains. But, if you do not wish to get the vaccine through a needle, it can sometimes be given as a nasal spray. Irrespective of the technique used, the purpose of getting it is to protect oneself against influenza or flu virus substantially. Since there are various mixed opinions, there isn’t any absolute evidence saying that the flu shot can cause severe harm or side effects.
Flu Shot Benefits
Prevent hospitalization – Thousands of people are hospitalized every year for the flu, with numerous people dying. Often, people who get the shot don’t need to get anxious about the grim possibilities of getting hospitalized.
Feel safe in public – People have peace of mind when in public during the flu season. It is because the shot cuts the risk of getting severely sick due to the flu. Not only alders, but vaccinated children are also safe in school and colleges. Most importantly, vaccinated nurses and physicians are safer in hospitals where the spots like door handles and handrails can contain viruses.
Fewer probabilities for high-risk patients to die of flu
Children, older adults, and patients with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or asthma are 80% less likely to get critically sick and die from flu if they have had the flu shot. However, the vaccine is often offered to seniors, patients, and children if there is a vaccine shortage.
Flu Shot Disadvantages
The nasal shot can spread – On rare occasions, nasal vaccines can spread to other people from the recipient. The nasal flu vaccine nevertheless has not yet been proven to give the receivers the flu. Distributing of flu is a possibility even after a nasal vaccine is given. People should consider this while getting the shot.
Taking a shot every year – The flu vaccine is to be taken each year. There is no vaccine invented till now, which is good for over one year since the flu strains change and grow every year.
Possible side effects: Redness, Soreness, and Swelling – Yes, the flu shot is deemed safe by experts. Still, it can cause side effects. Discomfort, redness, and swelling at the spot of infection are the most usual side effects. Some people may also experience sore throat, running nose, headache, distress, or low-grade fever. You will agree with the fact that the side effects are much less intense than the actual flu.
Conclusion
Each year hundreds of thousands of people get severely sick from the flu. Getting the flu shot is sufficient to avoid spreading. The vaccine will help you and your family from not getting the virus. Medical practitioners always recommend getting a flu shot appointment for yearly vaccination, especially for those at a high risk of getting sick.
There have been several achievements in the evolution of flu vaccines and antiviral drugs to prevent and treat the virus, but there’s even more needed. However, older adults, children, and patients at high risk for flu and its complications must get the vaccine.
