- The WHO estimates that flu causes severe illness for 3-4 million people globally each year and hundreds of thousands of deaths.
- People who get sick after getting the flu vaccine usually do not actually have the flu, but a cold caused by an unrelated virus that is not included in the flu vaccine. This does not mean the vaccine does not work. Flu symptoms for those who still get ill, are likely to be milder and last for a shorter time compared with people who are not vaccinated.
- Most of the time, the influenza vaccine has no side effects. When side effects are experienced, there may be redness, mild swelling, and pain over the injection site, or the person may have a mild fever, mild rash, headache, or body aches.
- The amount of egg in the flu vaccine is too small to cause an allergic reaction, and it is therefore recommended that even individuals who are allergic to eggs have routine flu vaccines each year.
- Many careful studies have been conducted, and scientists have not found a link between vaccines and autism. However, the risk of a child or loved one becoming seriously ill from influenza is a very real concern.
- It is unpredictable when a flu outbreak will start and so it is worthwhile to have an annual influenza vaccine early, well before winter.
- The strains of flu included in each year’s vaccine is decided according to scientific predictions, and although it is more effective in some years than others, the flu shot helps patients avoid getting sick with flu in most cases, and also helps to prevent more serious illness and outbreaks of the flu.
- Women who are planning a pregnancy, as well as those who are currently pregnant should take precautions, including vaccination, because flu symptoms can get worse quickly when you are pregnant and can be dangerous for woman and their baby.
SOURCE: Netcare
