Influenza, better known as "Flu", is an infectious disease caused by an RNA virus from the Orthomyxoviridae family (influenza virus).
The most common symptoms of this disease are chills, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, severe headache, cough, weakness and general discomfort.
Symptoms of influenza in humans were first suggested by Hippocrates, which was approximately 2,400 years ago, then followed by the first convincing report regarding an influenza pandemic, namely the plague, namely in 1580, which started in Russia and then spread to Europe via Africa. In Rome, more than 8,000 people died, and in several cities in Spain almost completely fell victim to this virus
According to the World Health Organization, flu outbreaks usually occur in the fall and winter. However, in areas with tropical climates such as Indonesia, the influenza virus spreads throughout the year. The results of this epidemic resulted in the occurrence of about 3,000,000-5,000,000 cases per year which are quite serious in the world. According to WHO, it is estimated that up to 500,000 deaths from influenza occur annually in the world.
Benefits of the Influenza Vaccine
Influenza vaccine or sometimes called the flu vaccine is one of the best protections for the rainy season or long trips/travels and this vaccination is highly recommended for high risk groups, such as:
- Children aged 6 months to 4 years (59 months)
- People aged 50 and over
- People with chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, neurological, haematological, or metabolic (including diabetes mellitus) disorders
- People with immunosuppression (including treatment-induced immunosuppression or HIV)
- Women who are or may become pregnant during influenza season and women up to 2 weeks after delivery
- People aged 6 months through 18 years and receiving long-term aspirin therapy
- People living in nursing homes or other chronic medical care facilities
- People with extreme obesity (body mass index of 40 or more)
- Medical service officer
- Caregivers of children under 6 months of age
- Caregivers of children under 5 years of age
- Elderly caregivers over the age of 50
- Carers of people with medical conditions that put them at risk for serious complications from Influenza.
Influenza vaccine injections are recommended 1 (one) time a year because the flu virus continues to grow every year. Therefore it is recommended that the flu vaccine be done 1 (once) a year. For vaccinations, the EMC Tangerang Hospital has a special clinic to ensure that people get the best and safest vaccines because they are supported and supervised by doctors who are experts in their fields.
Side Effects of the Influenza Vaccine?
If the flu vaccine is done properly and according to the doctor's recommendations, it is actually relatively safe for the public. Even though there are side effects, they are basically almost the same as various types of vaccinations or other immunizations, including:
- Pain at the injection site, sometimes low fever occurs
- Itching at the injection area
- The body feels a little tired and lethargic.
As for life-threatening allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, tightness or severe itching, fast heartbeats are very rare. Maybe the odds are about 1 in 1,000,000 in people who get vaccinated. EMC Tangerang Hospital conducts an examination/consultation beforehand and always ensures the quality of the vaccines given to prevent these side effects from occurring
There are several criteria for people who are not advised to receive the influenza vaccine due to various research issues, namely:
- Children under 6 months of age
- People who are allergic to eggs.
- People who have a history of severe allergies to flu vaccine ingredients such as gelatin, antibiotics or other ingredients.
In conclusion, this vaccine is recommended for the community as an early prevention effort and of course this vaccine is relatively safe to do, according to the doctor's recommendations.
This article was written by Prof. Dr. Felix Kasim., M. Kes (Director of Tangerang EMC Hospital).
