Who Should Get Influenza Vaccine?

Who Should Get Influenza Vaccine?

Health Lav89 - Who Should Get Influenza Vaccine?. Influenza vaccine works by building antibodies in a person's body to fight influenza virus. Influenza vaccine takes about two weeks to work to create antibodies in a person's body.

In a cold climate country, the flu season occurs between December and February. To be effective, influenza vaccine is recommended to be given before December, may be given in November or October. While in tropical countries like Indonesia, flu epidemics can happen anytime. Therefore, it is important to get influenza vaccine to prevent this disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends influenza vaccines to:

• Children aged 6 months to 5 years.
• The elderly (over 65 years).
• Pregnant women.
• Patients with chronic diseases.
• Medical workers.

In order for effective and safe use of influenza vaccine, you are advised to consult a doctor before vaccinating. Especially if you have experienced an allergic reaction to an influenza vaccine before or have experienced Guillain-Barre syndrome that occurs after receiving an influenza vaccine.

Side Effects of Influenza Vaccine

There are various side effects that can be caused related to the provision of influenza vaccine. Common side effects include:

1. Pain, redness and swelling in the injected area.
2. Fever.
3. Nausea.
4. Hard to breathe.
5. Hoarseness.
6. Swelling around the eyes or lips.
7. Tired, dizzy, and pale face.
8. Heart beat.
9. Changes in behavior.
10. Fainting.
11. Runny nose.
12. Muscleache.
13. Gag.
14. Sore throat.

If you experience any of these reactions after receiving the influenza vaccine, contact your doctor immediately for further treatment. To prevent influenza illness, in addition to the vaccine you can do several things, such as:

1. Reduce contact with sick people
2. Rest at home when you are sick yourself
3. Eat and drink enough
4. Use a mask to avoid spreading the virus when you cough or sneeze
5. Get used to wash your hands with soap and clean water.