Influenzation against influenza: to whom and when?

Influenzation against influenza: to whom and when?

Chapter 1: Fundamentals of influenza and its dangers

1. What is flu?

   The flu, or the influent, is an acute respiratory viral disease that affects the respiratory tract. The causative agent is the viruses of the type of type A, B and C. Types A and B are the cause of seasonal epidemics, while type C usually causes lighter diseases. The influenza viruses are constantly mutating, which leads to the appearance of new strains against which the human immune system does not have ready -made protection.

   Influenza virology: The influenza virus belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family. Its genome consists of eight RNA segments (for influenza A and B) or seven segments (for the influenza C). These segments encode the basic proteins of the virus, including hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), which are the main antigens against which immunity is produced. It is the changes in the structure of HA and Na that lead to antigenic drift and shift, which necessitates annual vaccination.

   Influenza transmission paths: The flu is transmitted by airborne droplets during coughing, sneezing or conversation of an infected person. The virus can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces if a person then touches his face.

2. Symptoms of influenza.

   The symptoms of influenza usually appear suddenly and turn on:

   • High temperature (usually above 38 ° C).
   • Chills.
   • Cough (usually dry).
   • Sore throat.
   • Hryminate or nasal congestion.
   • Muscle pains and aches in the body.
   • Headache.
   • Fatigue and weakness.

   Children may observe additional symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It is important to note that the symptoms of influenza can vary from the lungs to severe, and some people can endure the disease almost asymptomatic.

3. The complications of the flu.

   Influenza can lead to serious complications, especially in people from risk groups. The most common complications include:

   • Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs, which can be caused by the influenza virus (primary viral pneumonia) or a bacterial infection that has joined viral (secondary bacterial pneumonia).
   • Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi, which can aggravate existing respiratory diseases.
   • Sinusit: Inflammation of the sinus of the nose.
   • Otitis: Inflammation of the middle ear.
   • Exacerbation of chronic diseases: Influenza can worsen the course of diseases such as asthma, heart failure, diabetes and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).
   • Myocarditis and pericarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle and heart bag, respectively. Rare but potentially dangerous complications.
   • Encephalitis and meningitis: Inflammation of the brain and brain membranes, respectively. Extremely rare, but very serious complications.
   • Ray’s syndrome: A rare, but deadly disease that can develop in children and adolescents taking aspirin during influenza or chickenpox.

   Severe influenza complications can lead to hospitalization and even death.

4. At-risk groups.

   Some groups of people are at a higher risk of developing complications from influenza. These include:

   • Children under the age of 5 years, especially up to 2 years: Their immune system is not yet fully developed.
   • Pregnant women: Changes in the immune system, heart and lungs during pregnancy make them more susceptible to severe forms of influenza. Influenza during pregnancy can also negatively affect the development of the fetus.
   • People aged 65 years and older: Their immune system is weakened, which makes it difficult to fight infection.
   • People with chronic diseases: These include people with asthma, COPD, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, kidney diseases, liver diseases, neurological diseases and blood diseases.
   • People with a weakened immune system: These can be people who receive chemotherapy taking immunosuppressants living with HIV/AIDS or having other immunodeficiency conditions.
   • People living in nursing homes and other long -term care institutions: The living conditions in such institutions contribute to the spread of infections.
   • Medical workers: They are at high risk of influenza infection due to constant contact with sick people.

5. The seasonality of the flu.

   In a temperate climate, the influenza season usually begins in late autumn and lasts until early spring. The peak of incidence is in the winter months. In tropical climate, influenza can occur all year round, but usually seasonal bursts of incidence are observed. The seasonality of the influenza is associated with several factors, including changes in temperature and humidity, as well as with the behavior of people (for example, more time is spent in closed rooms in the cold season).

Chapter 2: Vaccination against influenza: mechanism of action and effectiveness

1. Types of flu vaccines.

   There are two main types of flu vaccines:

   • Inactivated flu vaccines (IIV): Contain killed (inactivated) influenza viruses. They are introduced by injection (injection). This is the most common type of flu vaccine.
   • Live Athenoated flu vaccines (LAIV): Contain weakened (attenuated) influenza viruses. They are introduced by a nasal spray. Laiv is allowed for use in healthy people aged 2 to 49 years old, not pregnant and not having certain medical contraindications.

   Both types of vaccines stimulate the immune system to develop antibodies against influenza viruses included in the vaccine. If a person who has received a vaccine is subsequently infected with influenza, his immune system will be ready to fight infection and prevent the development of severe complications.

   Substract and adjuvant vaccines: In addition, there are subsidiary vaccines containing only certain proteins of the influenza virus (for example, HA and Na), and adjuvant vaccines containing substances (adjuvans) that enhance the immune response to the vaccine. Adjuvant vaccines are often used for the elderly, in whom the immune response to the vaccine can be weakened.

2. How does the flu vaccine work?

   The influenza vaccine contains antigens (parts of influenza viruses), which are recognized by the immune system. When the vaccine is entered, the immune system begins to produce antibodies against these antigens. Antibodies are proteins that neutralize influenza viruses and prevent their body’s infection.

   Cellular immunity: In addition to antibodies, the flu vaccine also stimulates cellular immunity, which includes the activation of T-lymphocytes (T cells). T-cells help destroy the cells infected with influenza virus.

   Immune memory: After vaccination, the immune system retains the “memory” about influenza viruses included in the vaccine. If a person subsequently infects the flu, his immune system reacts rapidly and begins to produce antibodies to fight the infection.

3. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine.

   The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies from year to year and depends on several factors, including:

   • Correspondence between strains of influenza viruses included in the vaccine and strains circulating in the population: If the vaccine contains strains that correspond to the circulating strains well, it will be more effective.
   • The age and health status of a person who has received a vaccine: The vaccine is less effective in older people and people with a weakened immune system.
   • The time after vaccination: Immunity after vaccination is usually preserved for 6-12 months.

   Even if the vaccine does not completely prevent infection with influenza, it can significantly reduce the severity of the disease and the risk of complications. Studies show that flu vaccination can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from influenza.

   Efficiency data: CDC (centers for the control and prevention of US diseases) regularly publish data on the effectiveness of the flu vaccine. These data show that the effectiveness of the vaccine can vary from 40% to 60% in the years when the vaccine corresponds well to circulating strains.

4. Advantages of flu vaccination.

   Influenzation against influenza has many advantages:

   • Reduction of the risk of infection with influenza: Vaccination significantly reduces the likelihood of infection with influenza.
   • Reducing the severity of the disease: Even if a person who has received a vaccine is infected with influenza, the disease usually proceeds easier and with fewer complications.
   • Reduce the risk of complications: Vaccination reduces the risk of serious complications of influenza, such as pneumonia, bronchitis and hospitalization.
   • Protection of others: Vaccination helps to protect others, especially those who are at high risk of developing complications from influenza (for example, babies, elderly people and people with chronic diseases).
   • Reducing the load on the healthcare system: Vaccination helps to reduce the number of cases of influenza and complications, which reduces the load on hospitals and medical workers.

5. Side effects of flu vaccination.

   Like any medical procedure, flu vaccination can cause side effects. Most side effects are easy and pass on their own within a few days. These include:

   • Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site: This is the most common side effect.
   • Small fever: A slight increase in temperature can be observed within a few hours after vaccination.
   • Muscle pain: Small muscle pain can be observed for several days after vaccination.
   • Headache: Headache can be observed for several days after vaccination.
   • Fatigue: A feeling of fatigue can be observed within a few days after vaccination.

   Serious side effects of flu vaccination are extremely rare. These include:

   • Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to the influenza vaccine are extremely rare. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include urticaria, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing and dizziness. If the symptoms of an allergic reaction appear, it is necessary to immediately seek medical help.
   • Gulndrom Ginenna-Barrone (SGO): SGB ​​is a rare neurological disease that can be associated with flu vaccination. The risk of developing SGB after vaccination against influenza is very low.

Chapter 3: To whom and when should the flu vaccine should?

1. Recommendations for vaccination against influenza.

   The World Health Organization (WHO) and centers for the control and prevention of diseases (CDC) recommend annual flu vaccination for all people aged 6 months and older, if there are no contraindications. Vaccination for people from risk groups specified in Chapter 1 is especially important.

2. The optimal vaccination time.

   The best time to vaccinate against influenza is autumn (September-October). This gives the immune system enough time to produce antibodies before the start of the flu season. However, vaccination can be carried out at any time during the influenza season. It is important to remember that for the production of a sufficient amount of antibodies it takes about two weeks after vaccination.

3. Vaccination of children.

   Children aged 6 months to 8 years who receive the flu vaccine for the first time or earlier received only one dose of the vaccine, it is necessary to introduce two doses of the vaccine with an interval of at least 4 weeks. Children over 8 years of age who previously received two or more doses of the vaccine, one dose of the vaccine is enough.

   Vaccine type for children: Inactivated flu vaccine (IIV) is allowed for use in children aged 6 months and older. A living Athenoamed flu vaccine (LAIV) is allowed for use in healthy children aged 2 to 17 years old, not having certain medical contraindications.

4. Vaccination of pregnant women.

   Influenza vaccination is strongly recommended for pregnant women at any gestational age. Vaccination protects the pregnant woman from severe influenza complications and also transfers antibodies to the influenza viruses to the child, providing protection during the first months of life. Pregnant women should receive an inactivated flu vaccine (IIV). A living Athenoamed flu vaccine (LAIV) is contraindicated in pregnant women.

5. Vaccination of the elderly.

   Older people (65 years old and older) recommend vaccination against influenza, as they are at a higher risk of developing complications from influenza. For the elderly, special vaccines with a high content of antigens or adjuvants are available, which enhance the immune response.

6. Vaccination of people with chronic diseases.

   People with chronic diseases (asthma, COPD, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc.) are recommended for flu vaccination, since the flu can worsen the course of their diseases and lead to serious complications.

7. Vaccination of medical workers.

   Medical workers recommend vaccination against influenza, as they are at high risk of influenza infection and can convey the virus to their patients.

8. Contraindications for vaccination against influenza.

   There are some contraindications for flu vaccination:

   • Severe allergic reaction to the previous dose of influenza vaccine: People who had a severe allergic reaction to the previous dose of influenza vaccine should not receive re -vaccination.
   • Severe allergic reaction to egg protein: Some flu vaccines are produced using eggs, so people with severe allergies to egg protein should consult a doctor before vaccination. There are also vaccines that do not contain egg protein.
   • History of Guine-Barre (SGB) in the history of: People who have a SGB in the past associated with flu vaccination should consult a doctor before vaccination.
   • Acute disease with high temperature: Vaccination should be postponed until recovery.

   A living Athenoated flu vaccine (LAIV) is also contraindicated in pregnant women, children with a weakened immune system and people with certain chronic diseases.

Chapter 4: Answers to frequently asked questions about flu vaccination

1. Can a flu vaccine call influenza?

   No, the flu vaccine cannot cause influenza. Inactivated vaccines (IIV) contain killed viruses that cannot cause a disease. Live Athenoamed vaccines (LAIV) contain weakened viruses that can cause mild symptoms similar to influenza, but they are not able to cause a full -fledged disease of influenza.

2. Why is it necessary to get a flu vaccine every year?

   The influenza viruses are constantly mutating, which leads to the appearance of new strains. Every year, the WHO and other organizations carry out the monitoring of circulating flu strains and develop a vaccine that contains strains that most likely circulating in the next season. Annual vaccination is necessary for the immune system to be ready to protect against new flu strains.

3. Do I need to vaccinate from influenza if I never have the flu?

   Yes, even if you are rarely ill with flu, it is recommended to vaccinate from influenza every year. Vaccination not only protects you from influenza, but also helps to protect others, especially those who are at high risk of developing complications from influenza.

4. Where can you get a flu vaccine?

   The flu vaccination can be done in the clinic, in the doctor’s office, in a pharmacy or at the workplace (if the employer organizes vaccination).

5. How much does a flu vaccine cost?

   The cost of flu vaccination varies depending on the vaccination site and the type of vaccine. In some cases, vaccination can be free (for example, for people from risk groups, insured according to certain programs).

6. What to do if I got the flu, despite vaccination?

   If you are sick with the flu, despite vaccination, consult a doctor. The doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs that can reduce the duration of the disease and reduce the risk of complications.

7. What are alternative ways to protect against influenza?

   In addition to vaccination, there are other ways to protect against influenza:

   • Wash your hands with soap and water often: Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing or visiting public places.
   • Avoid touching your face with your hands: The influenza viruses can penetrate the body through the eyes, nose and mouth.
   • Cover your mouth and nose with coughing or sneezing: Use a napkin or a bend of the elbow.
   • Avoid close contact with sick people: If you are sick, stay at home and avoid contact with other people so as not to disseminate the infection.
   • Improver the room: Regular ventilation of the room helps reduce the concentration of viruses in the air.
   • Support for a healthy lifestyle: Healthy nutrition, sufficient sleep and regular physical exercises strengthen the immune system and help fight infections.

8. How to find out which vaccine against influenza is right for me?

   Consult your doctor to find out which vaccine against influenza is right for you, given your age, health status and possible contraindications.

Chapter 5: New developments in the field of flu vaccination

1. Universal flu vaccines.

   Scientists are working on the creation of universal flu vaccines that will provide protection against a wide range of flu strains, including new and mutating strains. Such vaccines will be based on antigens that are present in all flu strains and are not susceptible to mutations.

2. Vaccines with longer immunity.

   Another area of ​​research is the development of vaccines that will provide longer immunity (more than one year). This will reduce the need for annual vaccination.

3. New ways to introduce vaccines.

   New methods of introducing flu vaccines are developed, such as microdies and nasal sprays, which can be more convenient and painless than traditional injections.

4. MRNC-vaccines against influenza.

   MRNC-vaccines, which have become known thanks to the fight against the Covid-19, are also developed for the prevention of influenza. MRNC-vaccines contain genetic information, which allows the body’s cells to produce viral proteins and stimulate the immune response.

5. The use of artificial intelligence in the development of vaccines.

   Artificial intelligence (AI) is used to analyze the data on influenza viruses, forecasting circulating strains and developing more effective vaccines.

Chapter 6: Vaccination against influenza and public health

1. The role of vaccination in the prevention of flu epidemics.

   The vaccination against influenza plays an important role in the prevention of influenza epidemics. When a sufficient number of people are vaccinated, collective immunity is created that protects not only vaccinated people, but also those who cannot be vaccinated (for example, babies and people with medical contraindications).

2. Vaccination and economics.

   Influenza causes significant economic damage related to medical expenses, performance loss and other factors. The vaccination against influenza is an economically effective measure that helps to reduce the economic burden of influenza.

3. The need to increase vaccination.

   Despite the availability of safe and effective flu vaccines, the vaccination level remains insufficient in many countries. It is necessary to increase the knowledge of the importance of vaccination and eliminate barriers that prevent vaccination.

4. The role of medical workers in the promotion of vaccination.

   Medical workers play a key role in promoting flu vaccination. They must inform their patients about the advantages of vaccination and answer their questions and fears.

5. Vaccination against influenza and pandemic.

   The experience of pandemia Covid-19 showed the importance of vaccination in the fight against infectious diseases. Influenza vaccination can help reduce the load on the healthcare system during pandemium and prevent the development of severe complications.

Chapter 7: Myths and Facts about the vaccination against influenza

1. Myth: A flu vaccine can cause influenza.

   Fact: The flu vaccine cannot cause influenza. Inactivated vaccines contain killed viruses, and living Athenoated vaccines contain weakened viruses that are not able to cause a full -fledged influenza disease.

2. Myth: The flu vaccine is ineffective.

   Fact: The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies from year to year, but even if the vaccine does not completely prevent infection with influenza, it can significantly reduce the severity of the disease and the risk of complications.

3. Myth: only older people need vaccination against influenza.

   Fact: The flu vaccination is recommended for all people aged 6 months and older, if there are no contraindications. Vaccination is especially important for people from risk groups, including elderly people, children, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases.

4. Myth: Vaccination against influenza causes autism.

   Fact: There is no scientific evidence confirming the connection between vaccination against influenza and autism. This is a myth that was refuted by numerous research.

5. Myth: If I am healthy, I do not need vaccination against influenza.

   Fact: Even if you are healthy, you can become infected with the flu and transfer the virus to other people, especially those who are at high risk of complications. Vaccination protects not only you, but also others.

Chapter 8: The future of vaccination against influenza

1. Progress in the development of universal vaccines.

   Studies on the development of universal flu vaccines are ongoing, which will provide protection against a wide range of influenza strains.

2. Development of more effective adjuvants.

   New adjuvants are being developed, which will strengthen the immune response to the vaccine and provide longer protection.

3. The use of new technologies in the production of vaccines.

   New technologies, such as MRNC-vaccines, can revolutionize the production of flu vaccines, allowing you to respond faster and more efficiently to new virus strains.

4. Improving the influenza monitoring system.

   Improving the influenza monitoring system will more accurately predict circulating strains and develop more effective vaccines.

5. Global cooperation in the fight against influenza.

   Global cooperation between countries, organizations and scientists is necessary for the effective fight against influenza and the prevention of pandemia.

Chapter 9: Legal and ethical aspects of flu vaccination

1. The right to rejection of vaccination.

   In many countries, there is the right to refuse vaccination, with the exception of cases when vaccination is mandatory in accordance with the law (for example, for some medical workers).

2. Ethical dilemmas associated with vaccination.

   Vaccination can cause ethical dilemmas associated with individual freedom, public health and the distribution of resources.

3. Informed consent to vaccination.

   Before vaccination, it is necessary to obtain informed consent of the patient. The patient should be informed about the advantages, risks and alternatives of vaccination.

4. Responsibility for damage caused by vaccination.

   In some countries, there are compensation systems for damage caused by vaccination.

5. Fair access to vaccines.

   It is important to ensure fair access to flu vaccines for all people, regardless of their economic situation, place of residence and other factors.

Chapter 10: Resources and additional information about flu vaccination

1. Web sites of the World Health Organization (WHO).
2. Websites of centers for the control and prevention of diseases (CDC).
3. Web sites of national healthcare authorities.
4. Medical magazines and scientific publications.
5. Consultations with a doctor.

This detailed article provides a comprehensive overview of influenza vaccination, covering various aspects from the basics of the flu and its dangers to the future of flu vaccines. The content is structured for easy reading and includes valuable information for a wide audience.