Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone aged 6 months and over receive the annual influenza vaccine, but the majority of people have not done so yet. Only 22.7% of adults and 20.8% of children received the influenza vaccine this fall, according to what agency data showed on October 14.
But why is it important for everyone who is eligible to receive the flu vaccine? How effective is it? Do people who have had the flu before still need a vaccine? Why is it necessary every year? What is the best time to get it? What else should people do to stay healthy as the weather cools?
These questions are answered by Dr. Leana Wen, a medical expert with CNN Wellness, an emergency physician and professor of health policy and management at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. She also previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.
CNN: Is it too late to get the flu vaccine?
Dr. Leana Wen: both. Flu season has not yet peaked. Pharmacies and many doctor’s offices will offer the flu vaccine, so call ahead and schedule an appointment to receive your shot. It’s a good idea to get your flu shot at any of these places, but don’t delay getting it.
CNN: Is it helpful to wait until later, when flu season peaks?
Dr. Leana Wen: You don’t have to wait. It is best to get the vaccine before the peak of the flu season, which usually falls between December and March. However, the flu does spread, and you can become infected before the peak season. If you get the vaccine now, it will protect you during this year’s flu season.
CNN: Why is it important for everyone who is eligible to receive the flu vaccine?
Dr. Lena Wen: The flu can be serious, and the flu vaccine has two positive effects. The first is to reduce the chance of contracting a serious disease. According to studies cited by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Patients who received the vaccine were 26% less likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit, and their risk of dying from influenza was 31% lower than those who did not receive the vaccine. Between 2019-2020, the influenza vaccine prevented an estimated 105,000 hospitalizations.
The second is to get the influenza vaccine to reduce infection. The exact effectiveness of the vaccine depends on the extent to which the vaccine developed matches the circulating strains, but it generally ranges between 40% and 60%.
CNN: Do people who have previously had the flu need a vaccine?
Dr. Lena Wen: If you’ve had the flu in past years, yes, you still need to get a flu vaccine this year. Because the immunity that you previously developed has declined.
Many people may think they have the flu, when in fact they are suffering from a cold or another viral infection. I’m hearing from my patients that they don’t need a flu shot this year because they’ve already had the flu, but have never tested positive for the flu. Being infected with another virus does not protect you from the flu, and you still need to get the flu vaccine.
CNN: Why is it necessary to receive the flu vaccine every year?
Dr. Lena Wen: Receiving the flu vaccine on an annual basis is recommended for two reasons. First, weak immunity means that the protection you received from last year’s flu vaccine will not get you through this year’s flu season. Second, circulating influenza strains vary from year to year, so the dose targets the strains expected to be more dominant this year.
CNN: When is the best time to get the vaccine?
Dr. Lena Wen: The period between late September and early October is ideal. This is done before the peak of the flu season, and the vaccine continues to be effective during the winter.
CNN: What else should people do to stay healthy as the weather gets colder?
Dr. Lena Wen: Also make sure you get your up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine along with your flu shot. If you are 60 years of age and older, consult your healthcare provider about getting the new RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine.
CNN: Is there anything else people should consider besides the vaccine?
Dr. Lena Wen: Maintaining hand hygiene is important. Wash your hands often. Use hand sanitizer after touching commonly used public surfaces such as door handles and elevator buttons. Some individuals may choose to wear masks when in crowded indoor spaces.
2023-10-26 08:43:28
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