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In 2012, the newest vaccine against influenza
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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No one likes to be sick with the flu, and the world community is concerned about the possibility of its epidemic, as the risk of getting infected with the flu still remains. This is due to the fact that the influenza virus is constantly changing its formula, and influenza vaccines can protect a person from only two, a maximum of three strains of influenza - type A and B. Now, doctors have invented the newest vaccine that will protect people from four strains influenza. This is a real revolution in health care.
Read also: Vaccination against influenza: 12 most popular myths
A useful invention for all mankind
The quadrivalent vaccine, invented this year, protects against two strains of influenza A and two strains of influenza B, and is intended for adults and children aged 2 to 49 years, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is a new nasal spray vaccine, which provides the weakening of strains of the virus in the body.
Previously, all influenza vaccines contained two strains of the influenza A virus and one strain of the influenza B virus, which were annually selected by medical experts based on the global potential for the spread of the virus. With an additional strain of the influenza B virus, the vaccine increases the likelihood that it will protect against diseases, experts at the FDA say.
Influenza vaccine will protect children and pregnant women
"Diseases caused by the influenza B virus affect children, especially younger children and school children, more than anyone else," said Dr. Karen Midthun, director of the FDA Center for Biopreparations. The vaccine will protect them from the flu if vaccinated on time. The vaccination season is now in full swing - the best months for it are October-November.
The severity of the disease and death from influenza varies widely from season to season, so vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza. Between 1976 and 2007, the number of deaths associated with influenza ranged from an approximate minimum of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people, the FDA said. Therefore, a protective vaccination against influenza should be carried out every year.
Does the new vaccine have side effects?
FDA experts say that the side effects of this vaccine may be the same as those of previous vaccines. They include a runny or stuffy nose, headaches or sore throat. But compared to the harm caused by the flu, it's not so scary.
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How to protect yourself from flu in addition to vaccination?
In addition, to go on vaccinations, the usual daily actions of a person combined with vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of the incidence of influenza. What can be done to reduce the risk of contracting the flu? First of all, elementary washing your hands with soap and water will help you. And before you have washed your hands, you should avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth (so that germs that like to live on the mucous membranes do not spread). It is also necessary to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are already infected with the flu virus, stay at home for 24 hours after the disease has passed so as not to infect others.
A flu vaccine is a good way to reduce your health risks. Especially when you consider that pregnant women and children who did not get vaccinated get 5 times more flu than others.