Reasons to Get a Flu Vaccine | Should Kids be Vaccinated?
Health is wealth. Families ensure that everyone is safe and protected, especially during flu season. The flu virus is highly communicable. When one kid gets sick with the flu, there is a tendency that they can affect everyone in the household. That is why getting a flu vaccine is important. Read on to learn more about the benefits of getting flu vaccinated.
What is the Flu?
Influenza or “flu” is a respiratory disease that can spread quickly. The virus is spread through coughs, sneezing, or talking, and saliva droplets get into the air. The common sign of flu is fever. The person can also get chills, cough, sore throat, muscle pains, lethargy, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. However, the effects of flu may differ from one person to another.
Flu often goes away on its own in a week or two without the need for hospitalization. Remember though that there are cases in which flu can be a more serious problem, especially for young children, the elderly, and those who have pre-existing health conditions. The best way to prevent the flu from spreading is to get vaccinated.
What is a Flu Vaccine?
Flu vaccine Singapore which is given once a year is a very effective way to prevent getting infected by the flu virus. It encourages the immune system to create more antibodies that fight the flu viruses that are in the vaccine. If a person who has been vaccinated is exposed to the flu virus, these antibodies can protect them. They might still get sick, but the effects of the illness will be less severe compared to those who are unvaccinated.
Reasons to Get Vaccinated
Getting a flu vaccine is not everyone’s favorite time of the year. However, it is a very important thing to do to protect everyone against the virus. Here are the reasons to have everyone in the family be vaccinated against the flu.
Protect Yourself Against
Flu isn’t just unpleasant since it often requires rest to get better. But it can be so severe that one needs to be hospitalized. The elderly, young children and individuals with pre-existing health problems should prioritize getting the flu vaccine. A flu vaccine helps lower the risks of getting the flu.
Protect Other People
Some people are strong and healthy enough to just go on with their daily activities even if they have the flu. However, there is a good chance that the virus will still spread to those who can come in contact with the sick person. After receiving the flu vaccine, the individual does not only protect themselves but also others around them who have compromised immune systems.
Improved Community Immunity
When the majority of the people in the community are vaccinated against flu, this creates a ‘herd immunity.’ This means that the flu virus will find it more difficult to penetrate the community as the spread from person to person is lesser. Everyone will be more protected against the flu.
Flu Vaccine: Is it Safe for Kids?
There has always been a debate about whether or not to get a child vaccinated. When it comes to the flu vaccine, it is safe for children to have it. They can get the shot without getting sick. The vaccine is tested to be safe and effective before they are approved.
Doctors will carefully check the child first to ensure that it is safe for them to get the vaccine. Children who are six months and older should get the flu shot. There are different types of vaccines available. Parents and guardians must discuss the options with their child’s pediatrician.
