How often should you be vaccinated?
The influenza virus, better known as the flu, has become a common illness among people of all ages. The flu season cannot be distinctly seen in Sri Lanka but school children and parents are quite vulnerable to this illness at least thrice a year. In order to prevent one from being vulnerable to it more than once it is quite advisable to get a flu shot. But how often should this be done? What other illnesses can you be made immune through this flu shot?
The Daily Mirror spoke to a few individuals and experts on the importance of administering regular flu shots.
Janaka
Regular flu shots are very much important when looking at the rate at which children fall sick these days. Some of them come to school with the flu making others vulnerable to it as well.
Devika
The healthcare system needs to look at these improvements because unlike in other countries we don't get seasonal flu shots.
Mahesh
Nowadays we are living in a very un-hygienic environment. There are all sorts harmful fumes, dust and other germs that we inhale and encounter everyday without our knowledge. Either the people need to be made immune to them or the environment need to be made cleaner. I think the first option is better.
In his comments Executive Director of Mel Medura and lecturer of Applied Sciences at the University of Rajarata Dr. Manoj Fernando said that children are given vaccinations according to a roster. ‘As such they are being given vaccinations in 2, 4, 6, 9 months and so forth. The Expanded Programme in Immunization (EPI) is being implemented in Sri Lanka and according to that children are made immune to diseases such as tuberculosis and polio. But in the case of adults influenza shots are given only during the flu season. There is no need to administer vaccines to those identified as ‘healthy’ unless they encounter the illness. But pregnant mothers and elderly are specially given attention when considering their vulnerability to the illness. In certain countries seasonal flu shots are given but there is no such seasonal flu in Sri Lanka.”
Side Effects
There are different side effects that may be associated with getting a flu shot or a nasal spray flu vaccine. Possible mild side effects of the flu shot include:
· Soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site
· Fainting, mainly in adolescents
· Aches
· Fever (low grade)
· Nausea
Serious side effects usually begin within a few minutes to a few hours after receiving the shot. Possible serious side effects of vaccination include:
· Difficulty in breathing
· Hoarseness
· Swelling around the eyes or lips
· Hives
· Paleness
· Weakness
· Racing heart
· Dizziness
· Behaviour changes
· High fever
If you experience any of these reactions, seek medical attention immediately.
By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe
Photographs by Waruna Wanniarachchi
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
0 Comments