Why you need that flu vaccine
With the prevailing weather conditions and the approaching cold season, it's crucial for us to consider getting vaccinated against the flu. Flu, also known as influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects millions of people worldwide every year, causing mild to severe symptoms that can last for several days. According to the World Health Organization, the flu causes three to five million cases of severe illness and around 290,000 to 650,000 deaths globally each year. In Kenya, the Ministry of Health has reported a surge in flu cases in recent years, with Nairobi being one of the hardest-hit regions.
The flu is caused by influenza viruses that mutate frequently, making it difficult to develop a one-time vaccine that can provide full protection against all strains. However, the flu vaccine is designed to provide immunity against the most common flu strains expected to circulate each season. Getting vaccinated every year can significantly reduce your chances of getting sick and spreading the flu to others.
One of the most critical reasons to get the flu vaccine is to protect yourself from potentially severe flu symptoms that can result in hospitalization or even death. The flu can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and headache. For some individuals, especially those with weakened immune systems such as the elderly, pregnant women, and young children, the flu can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections. The flu vaccine is especially important for these vulnerable populations as they are at a higher risk of developing severe flu symptoms.
Another significant benefit of getting the flu vaccine is that it protects those around you. Even if you're healthy and not at high risk for developing complications from the flu, if you get infected with the flu virus, you can easily transmit it to others through coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself from getting sick but also reduce the likelihood of spreading the flu to those around you, including your family, friends, and co-workers.
Moreover, getting the flu vaccine can help reduce the burden on healthcare systems. During the flu season, hospitals and clinics experience a surge in patients seeking treatment for flu-like symptoms, which can overwhelm the healthcare system, leading to shortages of medical supplies, hospital beds, and healthcare personnel. By getting vaccinated, you help reduce the number of flu cases, which, in turn, reduces the demand for medical services, allowing healthcare workers to focus on treating those who need urgent medical attention.
It's worth noting that some people avoid getting the flu vaccine because they believe that it can cause flu-like symptoms or that it's not effective. However, these are myths that are not based on scientific evidence. The flu vaccine is made from inactivated or weakened flu viruses, which cannot cause the flu. Some people may experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, fever, and muscle aches, but these symptoms are usually short-lived and go away on their own. Moreover, while the flu vaccine may not provide complete protection against all flu strains, it can significantly reduce the risk of getting sick and lessen the severity of symptoms if you do get infected. It is SAFE.
In conclusion, the flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu. With the prevailing weather conditions in Kenya and the coming cold season, it's crucial to consider getting vaccinated to reduce your chances of getting sick and spreading the flu to others. The flu vaccine is widely available in healthcare facilities, clinics, and pharmacies, and it's recommended for everyone above six months old. Remember that getting vaccinated not only protects yourself but also those around you. By taking this simple step, we can all play a part in keeping our communities healthy and safe during the cold season and beyond. Don't wait until it's too late; get vaccinated today!
Article by: Dr. Chris Njuguna
