As the weather turns cooler, how can we effectively prevent influenza?

"Doctor, can I get the flu vaccine now?"

"Doctor, I just got my flu shot and now I have a fever and feel unwell. What's going on?"

Photo courtesy of the station

Recently, there has been an endless stream of citizens coming to the Chao News Qianbao Health Station and the Wenxin Street Community Health Service Center in Xihu District, Hangzhou for consultation and flu vaccination. As the weather gradually turns cooler, more and more citizens are beginning to pay attention to the issue of flu vaccination.

What exactly is influenza? How can we prevent it? What should we pay attention to when getting a flu vaccine?

Influenza, or influenza, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus. Since influenza virus is easy to mutate and highly contagious, people are generally susceptible to it. After being infected with influenza, patients usually experience acute high fever (body temperature can reach above 39°C), headache, muscle aches, fatigue and other systemic symptoms, which are far more serious than the common cold.

It is particularly important to note that children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases such as asthma, COPD, and heart disease, once infected with influenza, are at higher risk of developing severe illness, which may lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and even multiple organ failure, seriously threatening their life and health.

Getting the flu vaccine is the most economical and effective means of prevention.

Usually, the human body can produce protective antibodies 2 to 4 weeks after receiving the flu vaccine. Therefore, vaccination should be completed as early as possible before the flu season arrives. If you miss the best vaccination time, you can also get vaccinated throughout the flu season.

After receiving the flu vaccine, a few people may experience fever, local swelling, soreness and other discomfort symptoms, which usually last for 1-2 days. This is a normal reaction of the human immune system to the vaccine and there is no need to worry too much. If the symptoms are severe or last for a long time, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time.

Photo courtesy of the station

Because influenza viruses are prone to mutation, the virus strains that circulate each year may be different, and the vaccine you received last year may not provide effective protection against this year's influenza virus. Therefore, it is necessary to get the latest influenza vaccine every year.

Developing good hygiene habits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are essential for preventing influenza. Washing hands frequently, wearing masks, opening windows for ventilation, and avoiding close contact with influenza patients as much as possible can effectively reduce the risk of virus transmission. At the same time, eating a balanced diet, exercising moderately, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude can enhance immunity, improve physical resistance, and reduce the possibility of influenza infection.

In addition, remember the rhyme for flu prevention and control: open windows for ventilation and wear masks to prevent disease. Do not touch your mouth or nose with your hands, and be cautious when gathering in crowded places. Exercise to enhance immunity, and don't forget to get vaccinated.

Children, the elderly, pregnant women and patients with chronic diseases are at high risk of influenza and need to strengthen prevention. For these groups, influenza vaccination is particularly important. In addition, if there are high-risk groups in the family, vaccination of other family members can also play an indirect protective role and reduce the risk of influenza transmission in the home.

If you have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, etc., you should go to a regular medical institution as soon as possible to avoid taking medicine on your own or delaying treatment. Early intervention can effectively reduce the occurrence of complications and reduce the risk of severe illness.