Getting a flu vaccine every year is important as it helps prevent the flu, but one question many people wonder is why they can still get the flu after being vaccinated
What is the flu
The flu (Influenza) is a respiratory tract infection caused by influenza viruses, commonly found in 2 strains: Influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2), which are highly dangerous, capable of mutating and causing widespread outbreaks, and Influenza B (Yamagata, Victoria), which is easily transmitted but with symptoms not as severe as Influenza A A
Why do you get the flu
The flu is easily transmissible through droplets from coughing, sneezing, mucus, saliva within approximately 1 – 2 meters. Symptoms appear 1 to 4 days after infection
What are the symptoms of the flu like
When you have the flu, you will experience high fever, fatigue, headache, chills, muscle aches, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and runny nose. It is important to see a doctor for treatment. Symptoms usually improve within 1 – 2 weeks but if severe, complications such as pneumonia and death can occur.
Why is the flu vaccine important
The flu vaccine helps prevent all 4 strains of the flu, including reducing the severity of the illness, outbreaks, and the risk of serious complications. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people of all ages get a flu vaccine every year, even if they have been sick with the flu before, to build immunity.
Why can you still get the flu after vaccination
Even though you get vaccinated against the flu every year, you can still get it because the flu vaccine is 70% – 90% effective. After vaccination, it takes about 2 weeks to build immunity. Besides preventing the flu, it also helps reduce the severity of the disease and the risk of complications. However, as the flu virus strains change every year, it is necessary to get vaccinated annually to ensure the body has immunity, especially in children and the elderly who have relatively low resistance.
Doctors specializing in the treatment of the flu
Dr. Chayapon Cheethanom, Internist at Bangkok Hospital
You can click here to make an appointment yourself
Hospitals ready to offer flu vaccinations
The Vaccine Clinic at Bangkok Hospital is ready to provide flu vaccinations to prevent, reduce the risk, and lessen the severity of the disease, with specialists and a professional team taking close care.
