What is the flu?

The flu, or influenza, is a very contagious disease of the lungs caused by the influenza virus.

Influenza-like illness is ranked as the fourth leading cause of morbidity among Filipinos. One out of 100 Filipinos is reported to contract influenza-like illness every year.

What is the difference between the flu and a common cold?

If you have an abrupt high fever (39-40°C), headache, severe cough, extreme fatigue, aches and pains, you may have the flu. Flu and colds can have similar symptoms, but flu is far more dangerous than a common cold. Unlike a common cold, flu causes severe illness and life-threatening complications such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs), myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), and worsening of chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lungs) in many people.

How can I catch the flu?

The flu is very contagious. You can catch it from the air; from someone who is sneezing or coughing; from close contact with someone who has the flu or from touching contaminated objects and transferring germs to the respiratory system.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can catch the flu. Some people are at an increased risk of developing life-threatening complications if they contract the flu. These are :

• People of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, etc.).

• People 50 years of age and older.

• Pregnant women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season.

• Children aged six months until their fifth birthday.

Is it possible to prevent the flu?

Yes, it is possible to prevent the flu through vaccination.

How do flu vaccines work?

The vaccine causes antibodies to develop in the body, and the antibodies provide protection against infection from the influenza virus. It takes about two weeks for the body to make protective antibodies.

Is the flu vaccine safe?

The viruses in the flu shot are killed so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. The worst side effect you’re likely to get with the vaccine is a sore arm. A vaccine, like any medicine, may rarely cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of a rare allergic reaction is far less than the risk of severe complications from influenza.

Who should get a flu shot?

• People with increased risk of developing life-threatening complications if they contract the flu as stated previously.

• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu, especially healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, midwives, caregivers, etc.).

Healthy individuals are also encouraged to get the vaccine because it has been shown to reduce both direct medical costs and indirect costs from absenteeism at work and in school. Vaccination is associated with fewer days of illness, fewer work or school days lost, fewer days with doctor’s office visits, and reduced use of prescription antibiotics and over-the counter medications.

Who should not get a flu shot?

Those who have a severe allergy to eggs or to a previous flu shot should not receive the flu vaccine.

How effective is the flu shot?

The vaccine has 70-90 percent efficacy and usually protects most people from the flu. Sometimes, a person who receives the flu vaccine can get the flu but will be far less sick than those without the vaccine. The flu vaccine will not protect you from other viruses that sometimes feel like the flu.

Why should I get a flu shot every year?

The flu viruses are constantly changing. Generally, new influenza virus strains circulate every flu season, so each year, before the flu season, the most active viruses are identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and included in a new vaccine formula in order to offer the best protection.

When is the best time to get a flu vaccination?

The flu season generally occurs annually all over the world during the cold season.

In the Philippines, the peak of the flu season is during the rainy months of June to September. Vaccination should happen before the flu season every year when the new Southern Hemisphere vaccine becomes available around March. While the best time to get the flu vaccine is March to June, getting immunized in the months later can still protect you against the flu.

Is the flu vaccine in all parts of the world the same?

No. In the US, Canada, and Europe, the Northern Hemisphere vaccine is given during September-November before the peak of flu activity in the winter months of November to April. The vaccine is available in the Philippines although stocks are very limited. It is best to get your shot at least two weeks before leaving for a trip.

Flu Vaccination FAQ

Now that the 2010 Flu Vaccine is now available, have all your questions answered or visit our clinic to get a free consult to learn how influenza vaccination is good for you, your family, and your company.

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