Symptoms of flu and the need for annual vaccination

Should I get a vaccine or not for flu?

Though vaccination is generally advised as a prevention for flu, some people are not advised to take vaccine. The Center for Diseases Control (CDC), USA advises the following to take a vaccine:
-Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
-Pregnant women
-People 50 years of age and older
-People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
-People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
-People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including: health care workers, household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu, household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated).

The following are advised not to take a vaccine, by CDC:
-People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
-People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
-People who developed Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously.
-Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for use in this age group).
-People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen. But the final decision should taken by the patient in consultation with a qualified physician.

Why should I take a flu shot every year?
The vaccine is good only against viruses that are same or very close to the viral particles used for immunization. To understand it further, consider the analogy of a lock and key. The key made is good only for the specific lock, when the lock is slightly changed, the key may stop working. There are several different strains of viruses. Every year it may be a different form of the virus that spreads. The immunization carried out during the previous year may not be useful for the current year. Therefore it is advised that immunization may be done every year.

What are the symptoms of flu?
Influenza is characterized by the sudden onset of fever (often high), aching muscles, extreme tiredness, headache, non-productive cough, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose. The most prominent of the respiratory symptoms is usually a dry, hacking cough. Most people also develop a sore throat and headache. Runny nose (nasal discharge) and sneezing are common. Flu symptoms can make you feel miserable. A doctor’s exam may be required to determine if you have flu, cold or complications of flu. The initial symptoms of flu may be mild, but it can become severe without much notice. Therefore one needs to be on careful if there is someone with flu in the household or at workplace. Seasonal flu usually has a predictable pattern, beginning in the fall and ending in the spring. When flu is suspected, one should consult a physician. This will help in proper diagnosis, evaluation of risk , treatment and management of flu.

More Flu Information: What is Flu, Flu Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention How Flu Spreads, Avian Flu, H1N1 flu (swine flu) Influenza viruses, viral replication and nomenclature (swine flu) Swine flu, drugs, vaccination and pandemic Disclaimer: The above material is only for information purpose and some information may change with advancement of knowledge. Do not use this information to treat any medical condition. If you suspect a medical condition, consult a registered medical practitioner.