Flu Vaccine Benefits | Influenza | फ्लू वैक्सीन के फायदे? | इन्फ्लूएंजा के टीके से क्या फायदा है? | फ्लू का टीका कब तक प्रभावी रहता है? | इन्फ्लूएंजा कितने समय तक रहता है? | Influenza Vaccine Price? | फ्लू वैक्सीन प्राइस?

Flu Vaccine Benefits | Influenza or Flu vaccine | What is the ideal time for this vaccine ? | Flu Vaccine Benefits and Side Effects? | Influenza vaccine price?

Flu vaccine benefits, In this video, Dr. Raman Abrol discusses the effects of flu vaccine. Winters are at their peak, and you are all aware that flu is a very common problem in the winter. Flu or influenza is a very mild infection for common people but for vulnerable people like the elderly and younger children or those who are already suffering from any chronic illness, it can be a serious disease. The extent of complications in this category of patients is more. 

The flu vaccine is very important to protect yourself from influenza or serious flu infections. As you all know, flu vaccines update every year since influenza is such a virus that rapidly changes itself; hence, previous year vaccines are ineffective on the latest strain of influenza. Since virus modifies itself with the course of time, new vaccine manufacturing occurs. Therefore, doctors advise to take flu vaccine shot before the flu season. So every year, doctors recommend a flu vaccine before the winter season. Doctors recommend this flu vaccine for vulnerable people.

When to take the flu vaccine ?

The flu vaccine in India is not used universally. But doctors recommend it for vulnerable individuals, especially those suffering from respiratory infections like asthma or severe uncontrolled diabetes. In addition, doctors advise people who are travelling to flu-endemic areas to take the flu vaccine before travelling. Hence it is advisable to use before the winter. Therefore, one should take the flu vaccine 15 days before the winter season. Since it is an intramuscular injection, one must opt for the latest flu vaccine because it will only be effective on the prevalent strain. Therefore, doctors recommend that you take this vaccine 15 days before winter. In India, September or October is the ideal time. Because the incidence of flu or influenza in winter is higher; however, in India, there are multiple influenza seasons, but the most commonest and severest season is winter.

Which age is most suited for the flu vaccine ?

The recommended age for the flu vaccine is six months-65 years or above. It is safe. The effects of the vaccine, i.e., the formation of antibodies against a particular virus, start in 15 days. Once antibodies are formed inside the body, you are protected from the flu. 

The efficacy of this shot is between 50-80%.It prevents the influenza virus’s severity, and it doesn’t require hospital administration. Hence it is effective and advisable. Generally, doctors advise two doses of vaccine in younger children ranging from 6 months to 8 years in 4 weeks or six months if it is their first time. For those who have taken this before, doctors advise them to take the vaccine yearly if possible, especially for vulnerable children or those who are suffering from chronic diseases, doctors recommend yearly. In India, these vaccines are available in trivalent inactivated form or TIV or quadrivalent inactivated. So whatsoever seasonal vaccine is available; one must use it. 

What are the side effects of the flu shot?

One may develop mild flu symptoms with mild fever. The injection site may have pain for two days with a mild cold, cough, and low-grade fever for 1-2 days. It does not pose any serious side effects; hence these are safe. Hence it is available in the pre-packed form, filled in the injection with a thin needle, and it is less painful. It doesn’t hurt even on poking; this is a very small exercise.

What is the cost?

The cost of the vaccines varies yearly; hence it is difficult to discuss, but ideally, it is available for 1000-1500 rs. These are imported and easily available in chemist stores, and one should take them. For those who want to travel in influenza-infected countries, doctors advise them to take flu shots 10-15 days before travelling so that they don’t catch the flu, and even if it does, it would be a mild infection. It is effective only till flu season. Ideally, it is effective for 6-8 months. After that, the effect reduces and is altogether low. Moreover, it is not effective for the strain as it changes rapidly. For more information, visit SimpliHealth website.

Thank you very much.