The flu season is upon us yet again.
I remember in my younger days (not that I am that old now), there used to be an actual flu season. That seems to have flown out of the window present day and people now seem to be sick all the time.
Our climate contributes as well, providing the ideal setting for viruses to incubate, germinate and spread.
In temperate climates, the flu season usually starts with the onset of winter and many take their flu shots either in October or March, depending on whether they live in the northern or southern hemisphere, well ahead of the onset of colder weather, bearing in mind that the vaccine does need time to develop its necessary antibodies.
With the sharp rise of the flu throughout the world, the Medical Community has been stepping up their calls for annual vaccinations. Much has been said, written and spoken about it but not everyone is comfortable in Malaysia with the idea of having the annual shot whether for themselves or their families.
Back in the day, we believed, myself included that our immunity builds up through time and exposure. In a sense, that still holds true. If you do not take the shot, you can and probably will build up your immunity over time but there are some other factors that come into play which may need your consideration.
The Flu Is A Constant Traveller
Travel is at an all-time high and shows no signs of slowing down.
Access to cheap flights coupled with the plethora of destinations available makes even the dullest and stodgiest ones take flight, literally.
People travel for work, pleasure, family gatherings and the like. Many are global citizens.
Travelling puts us into crowds, busy thoroughfares and packed areas, which makes the transmission of a flu virus easy, unnoticed and fast. When we return home, we take the bug with us and transmit it to others, unknowingly. Flu symptoms do not necessarily present themselves right from the get-go. You are infectious even if you feel as right as rain.
According to the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) the incubation period is usually two days but it can range between one to four days. During that time, you could feel fine with no presenting symptoms, but you are infectious.
The Flu Evolves
The flu evolves. It changes from season to season. Vaccines are manufactured to keep up with this. Flu shots, in fact, do not contain only one variant of the virus but can contain as much as four. This is to ensure you get the widest possible coverage for the year.
The Vaccine Is An Aid, Not A Cure
Taking the shot does not guarantee a flu free year but it certainly assists in cutting down its occurrences or, if you do contract the flu, the degree of its severity. There are many strains of the virus floating around and nobody knows which could infect them. The shot acts as an aid by creating antibodies within us to fight the predominant strains.
According to the CDC there are many influenza vaccine manufacturers and multiple products out in the markets.
Speaking to Dr Reuben Sekhar, a senior GP practising in Ipoh, he said that there used to be vaccines available for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Hence, if you lived anywhere under the Equator or planned to visit there, there was a vaccine specifically for that area and vice versa. Nowadays however, there are worldwide vaccines, which just proves how global this disease really is.
“There are many vaccines to choose from today, in fact. Each patient should consult their doctor who will advise them on the best and most suitable choice,” he said.
Vaccines come in trivalent (containing three viruses) or quadrivalent (containing four viruses) vials and it is a good idea to keep going back to the same doctor for your annual shots.
Vaccine Centres operating around the country usually only give vaccines to adults. Children are best vaccinated by their Pediatricians.
The Right Time
If you are convinced the annual flu shot is right for your family picking the right time is crucial to maximising the effect of the vaccination with as little side effects as possible.
General Health
You cannot take the shot if you are sick and this includes other members of your family too.
“A vaccine introduces a live virus into your system. If you are not in the pink of health, you may fall sick. Likewise, if other family members are sick, the shot should be deferred since immunity could be low all around,” advised Dr. Reuben.
A Trying Time
If you are in a stressful time at home, perhaps the death of a loved one, a difficult time in your career or facing pressing emotional, personal or physical problems, the vaccination should be postponed. Stress, as you know, weighs us down and brings to bear on our immunity.
Off On A Jaunt
If you are very near a planned holiday, the vaccine is probably best postponed.
“When a live virus is introduced into your body, you may develop symptoms of the flu although not its full effects. Travelling under the weather is not ideal,” commented the good doctor. “Furthermore, the jab is delivered by needle through the arm muscle. That can produce tenderness and soreness which can last for a few days.”
To travel well we need to be both able bodied and able minded.
Furthermore, going on a trip, especially for a holiday is a precious memory layering opportunity. Surely feeling feverish, flu-ey and sore is not be the best way of storing happy and memorable holiday memories.
Time For Celebrations
Anytime too near festivities would probably not be the right time either. Immunity is not immediate and it takes about 2 weeks to develop antibodies.
How Often Should I Get My Shot
Usually, vaccinations are annual.
However, for those whose immunity is severely compromised your doctor may prescribe otherwise. The same goes for people who work in high risk areas, for instance, medical personnel.
From my experience, it is good to get the shot around the same time each year, thereby continuing your immunity. In my family, we usually get our shot in November, well in time for our annual holiday the following month.
Each family has its own times and seasons and Moms, you know best when that is.
How Do I Make The Right Choice?
Cost
There are many vaccines out there, both non-generic and generic. That said, there are obvious price differences between the two.
If you are inoculating a whole family, price could be the deciding factor. It would be best to consult your doctor to come up with the best choice. Generally, vaccines cost between RM80 – RM100 per shot.
Availability
Flu vaccines are becoming increasingly popular. Since they contain live virus, shipment is a little tricky.
The usual protocol for the transportation of vaccines is via cold chain storage. Some doctors may be cautious also about keeping vaccines too long in their clinics because of this. However, at this moment, the vaccine tends to be out of stock due to the high demand for inoculation by the public.
Hence, if you are all set for the vaccine, the first thing on the list is to make an appointment with your doctor before you go. This assures you both on the quantity and availability of the vaccine when you arrive for your shot.
If you are not able to make the said appointment, call to reschedule so that the doctor knows. I have known Mums who neglected to do that only to find their vaccines given away to other patients who popped in to request a shot.
Allergy
According to the CDC, quadrivalent influenza shots are usually manufactured using viruses grown in eggs.
Since there are a number of manufacturers now, it is a good idea to check if your vaccine comes from eggs especially if your little ones or anyone else at home has an allergy to eggs, to be on the safe side.
What To Look Out For
Since the injection introduces a live virus into the body, contraindications may occur.
Some, as stated previously may have soreness and tenderness in their arm especially the area where the vaccine was introduced. That can restrict movement.
As such, some doctors recommend jabs in the less dominant arm.
For babies and toddlers, that choice may be inconsequential but it may be a good idea for school going kids who may find it hard to use their sore arm for school work and activities.
Some may develop mild symptoms of the flu. Treatment is symptomatic. Moms should be well stocked with oral medications to soothe any side effects.
If the symptoms persist or get worse, it is always best to go back to the doctor to check. If intuition nags you, and the symptoms persist or get worse in spite of your doctor’s advice, you should head straight to the hospital for immediate medical aid and assistance. Serious complications are rare, according to the CDC but it is best to keep a sharp eye for anything out of the ordinary, just in case.
Moms, I hope this helps you make the best decision for your family.
On a personal note, I was not gung-ho for the flu shot initially. Of course, bear in mind that when my kids were little, the flu shot was not as common as it is now. What changed my mind was my son.
Aidan developed asthma at a young age. We did not expect it so it hit us like a bolt out of the blue.
Simple coughs and colds always deteriorated into all out medical emergencies and countless trips to hospitals all hours of the day or night. When our GP recommended the shot, we just took the plunge.
And the annual shots worked!
Aidan still comes down with the flu but hey! it is not as bad as it was and for that I am thankful.
While Aidan was the only one who was immunity compromised, we eventually made the decision to vaccinate everyone in the family because when one falls sick, everyone else eventually does too. To stop the severity of the flu and its multiple visitations, we decided to get everyone inoculated.
I have had no regrets.
One Last Thought
About 2 years ago, I decided to test the efficacy of the jab and counted the times within a year of its administration where I felt a little sick. I counted six times in total.
That I did not fall sick every other month was certainly a blessing.
To get more info on health and medical, stay tuned at story.motherhood.com.my. At the same time, please stay safe and sanitize to protect yourselves from the global outbreaks that are happening around the world.