The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It tends to be more serious than the common cold and is potent enough to cause major outbreaks. It can produce life-threatening complications, including pneumonia, and should not be taken lightly.
The flu virus is a constantly evolving entity, changing its form every year. This means that the vaccination you took this year may not be effective next time. This underscores the importance of staying vigilant and keeping your vaccinations updated.
Getting an annual flu shot is an easy way to protect yourself from severe flu.
Flu Strains Change Every Year
The latest flu strains typically vary by year, as they are updated annually to match the most common circulating viruses.
Influvac Tetra 2024-2025 is a quadrivalent flu vaccine designed to protect against four strains of influenza viruses for the flu season. [1] It helps boost immunity and reduce the risk of severe flu-related complications.
Did you know that flu shots prevented a staggering 7.1 million illnesses and 3.4 million medical visits during the 2019-2020 flu season? [2]
Top 5 Reasons To Get The Flu Shot Every Year
1. Protection Against Evolving Strains
-The flu virus evolves every year, making it essential to get the updated vaccine to stay protected against the latest strains.
-For the 2024-2025 flu season, the vaccine covers four key strains: A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1), A/Darwin/9/2021 (H3N2), B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria), and B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata). [3]
-Annual vaccination ensures your immune system is ready to combat the most prevalent viruses each season.
2. Enhanced Immunity
-The flu vaccine strengthens your immune system by stimulating it to recognize and fight the virus, reducing your chances of getting sick.
-It also boosts your body’s ability to respond quickly if exposed to the flu, lowering the risk of severe symptoms and complications.
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3. Reduced Severity Of The Disease
-Getting the flu vaccine annually can significantly reduce the severity of the illness if you contract the flu.
-It helps your immune system recognize and combat the virus more effectively, leading to milder symptoms, quicker recovery, and a lower risk of serious complications like pneumonia or hospitalization.
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4. Protection to Vulnerable Individuals
-The flu vaccine is a crucial shield for vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems who are more susceptible to severe flu complications.
-It also helps people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc. By reducing the risk of flu infection, the vaccine can prevent exacerbation of these conditions and reduce the likelihood of serious complications.
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5. Limited Spread Of The Flu
-Regular annual vaccination plays a crucial role in curbing the spread of the flu, as it reduces the risk of both catching and passing on the virus to others.
-When more people are vaccinated, it creates a protective barrier, making it harder for the flu to spread through communities. This is especially important for protecting those who are more vulnerable, such as the elderly and young children.
(The article is written by Dr. Nitika Makhija, Manager, Clinical Health and Content and is reviewed by Dr. Swati Mishra, Medical Editor)
Sources:
Available online at
1. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/quadrivalent.htm
2. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/flushot.htm#
3. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2023-2024.html