With the arrival of autumn and winter comes flu season, a time when many people, especially the most vulnerable and the elderly, wonder why it is necessary to get a vaccine with a different formula every year. In a recent appearance on the program Carlos Moreno ‘El Pulpo’ Poniendo las Calles, Dr. Darío Fernández, the main doctor of the program, answered this worrying question.
Dr. Fernández began his explanation with a strong statement: “The flu virus is very nasty and very subtle. ” This idea highlights the variable and adaptive nature of the flu virus, which changes every year in composition and proteins.
This constant mutation is the main reason why a new vaccine is needed every season. “It moves and, therefore, a special vaccine must be prepared every year,” said the doctor, stressing that there must always be one step ahead of this virus.
Elderly people receive a flu vaccine, on October 9, 2024, in Malaga, Andalusia
Influenza is a virus that has the ability to change its genetic makeup, allowing it to evade the immune responses produced by vaccines from previous years. This means that a person’s immune system, which was protected by the vaccine last year, may not recognize the new virus.
Another vaccine
Therefore, it is essential to have an updated vaccine that deals with the new strains of the virus. In addition, Dr. Fernández explained that scientists use information about how the flu has behaved in the southern hemisphere during the winter season to predict what the strains that are more common in the northern hemisphere.
“As we know in the southern hemisphere how the virus has been behaving, we are waiting for a new vaccine every year,” he said. This approach allows researchers and health professionals to prepare a vaccine that has a higher chance of being effective against the strains in circulation.
The importance of annual vaccination is not only in the variability of the virus, but also in the protection of public health. The flu can be especially dangerous for certain groups, such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing health conditions.
A woman is vaccinated on the opening day of the Feral Institute of Vigo
By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself, but you also contribute to herd immunity, reducing the spread of the virus and protecting those who are not vaccinated. Dr. Fernández also pointed out that flu vaccines are subject to strict research and development processes to ensure they are effective and safe.
Why you should get vaccinated
In addition, the doctor recalled that although the vaccine does not provide 100% protection, it greatly reduces the risk of developing the disease and its complications. “Vaccines are our best defense against the flu,” he said, adding that even in cases where effectiveness may not be perfect, vaccination is still necessary to reduce the severity of the disease and prevent it. a hospital.
Finally, Dr. Fernández called for action, urging the public not to underestimate the importance of annual vaccination. “It is essential to get vaccinated every year, especially for those in risk groups,” he concluded. With a focus on public health and the protection of the most vulnerable, his message is clear: yes vaccination is a key tool in the fight against the flu and its effects.
2024-10-16 02:12:00
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