Most human beings should be vaccinated against the flu by way of a shot in the arm in 2018, because the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will not sign-off on a nasal spray this year. These vaccines target three or four different kinds of viruses that pose the highest risk in any given year. In particular, individuals 6 months of age or older should be vaccinated, as well as pregnant women, the elderly, Indigenous Peoples, and anyone who travels long distances. However, it’s always advisable to consult your doctor beforehand to ensure that you aren’t allergic; influenza is a serious disease that can result in hospitalization or even death.

The CDC estimates that 140,000 to 710,000 have been hospitalized because of the flue since 2010, and anywhere from 12,000 to 56,000 have died. Annual seasonal flu vaccines are the most efficient and effective way of preventing flu-related deaths. Most modern vaccines protect against (H1N1) virus, influenza A (H3N2) virus, and influenza B virus, but they need to be taken as early in the flu season as possible (now!) in order to be as effective as they can be for the human population at large. Keep in mind that it takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to protect you and your immune system.

It’s also important to note that children sometimes require two doses, so they should start the vaccination process even earlier in the season than most people if at all possible. The doses must be taken at least four weeks apart, so it’s easy to see why getting the first shot right away is vital. Remember that the body’s immune response from vaccination fades over months and years, so it is crucial to get vaccinated every year to avoid potentially hazardous consequences.

In the modern era, vaccines are getting better and better at matching themselves to wide-ranging viruses and preventing these viruses from causing human beings harm. In most cases, the viruses in the vaccine and the viruses present are so closely matched that the antibodies generated by vaccination also prevent infections. Once again, it is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications to get vaccinated—but it’s just as essential for people that come into contact with these individuals to get vaccinated, too.

Please read the list of specific benefits below for more info and insights on flu vaccinations.

#1: Flu vaccination decreases the risk of flu-related hospitalization, particularly when it comes to children and the elderly.

#2: Flu vaccination is associated with lower rates of cardiac or heart episodes, particularly when it comes to people with recent heart disease or heart issues.

#3: Getting vaccinated protects babies from getting the flu after birth, and mothers can also pass antibodies on during pregnancy.

#4: Vaccination decreases the risk of flu-related acute respiratory infection by approximately 50%.

#5: Flu vaccination makes your illness milder if you do fall ill. A 2017 study revealed that flu vaccination reduced deaths, intensive care visits, ICU length of stay, and overall length of hospitalization.

Sources

CDC

EWAO

WebMD