FluQuadri vaccine is one of the many available vaccines that can help protect against the Influenza virus. Influenza or flu is usually seasonal and it can cause upper respiratory tract infections leading to symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, dry cough, and headache. Influenza viruses can be divided into 4 main types – Type A, B, C, D. This viral illness can range from mild to severe illness and sometimes can even cause death. The most worrying complication of this viral infection is pneumonia which causes a permanent reduction in lung function and if left untreated, may cause death.
FluQuadri vaccination consists of administration of a quadrivalent vaccine. It contains all 4 types of influenza viruses. This vaccine contains an inactivated form of the virus, meaning it is killed through physical or chemical processes before being injected into the body. Therefore it cannot cause the disease. Instead, the remains of the virus help the body generate an immune response. Other examples of inactivated vaccines include polio and rabies vaccines. The problem with inactivated vaccines is that the immunity produced may not last long in the body, which is why booster shots are important to maintain immunity towards the virus.
Who should get the FluQuadri vaccine?
The best method to prevent influenza is by getting vaccinated. Annual influenza vaccine is recommended especially during flu season. FluQuadri vaccination has proven to be an effective tool in preventing influenza in healthy individuals. Generally speaking, the influenza vaccine is recommended for all healthy individuals aged 6 months and above. However, this vaccine is more important to individuals in higher-risk groups. Those include :
- Elderly people
- Children (below the age of 5 years)
- People living with high-risk individuals
- Healthcare workers
- Individuals with chronic medical conditions
- Pregnant women
While vaccines may not completely prevent you from contracting the influenza virus, they can definitely help in reducing the severity of illness, particularly to those considered as high risk. Most people require only a single dose but children below the age of 9 may need a double dose of this vaccine. This vaccine is given intramuscularly either on the deltoid muscles or the right thigh (for children between the ages of 6-12 months).
Who should not get this vaccine?
This vaccine can be contraindicated in certain circumstances, mostly due to a history of allergy reactions to the influenza vaccine or any of its excipients including an egg allergy. This vaccine is produced using embryonated chicken eggs so it can contain trace amounts of egg protein. Hence, those with a history of egg allergy should only receive this vaccine under close supervision if it is necessary. Other contraindications include lactating or breastfeeding mothers, patients with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and those with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and thrombocytopenia.
What are the side effects of this vaccine?
It is common to experience some side effects after vaccination. These side effects are mostly mild and self-resolving. However, you should look out for more serious side effects that may warrant a visit to the hospital.
Mild side effects include :
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Myalgia
- Dizziness
- Redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site
- Vomiting
Serious side effects include :
- Muscle paralysis
- Blurred vision
- Syncope
- Weakness in limbs
- Anaphylaxis: difficulty in breathing, swelling of face and throat, blocked nose, and wheezing
- Swollen glands
Conclusion
All in all, getting vaccinated against influenza is necessary to prevent yourself from falling ill due to this virus on top of preventing outbreaks such as the H1N1 outbreak in 2009. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe with fluquadri vaccination today! It’s advisable to take Covid 19 Vaccine.
