Introduction:
There are four different types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal human disease epidemics (known as influenza season) almost every winter. Influenza A is the only influenza virus known to cause influenza pandemics (worldwide outbreaks of influenza disease). It is a contagious respiratory disease that spreads through the air by sneezing, coughing, or contact with infected surfaces. Influenza viruses change rapidly and frequently, are unpredictable, and can be lethal. The emergence of new influenza viruses is a significant concern, as the general population lacks immunity and is susceptible to infection.
What Is Seasonal Flu?
Seasonal influenza is a type of acute respiratory infection caused by viruses circulating worldwide. It is plagued with disease all year round, causing illnesses of varying severity, sometimes leading to hospitalization and death. Most people may recover from fever and other related symptoms within a week without medical attention. However, influenza can cause severe illness and death, especially in high-risk groups such as the young, the elderly, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and people with serious diseases. In temperate climates, seasonal epidemics occur mainly in winter, whereas in tropical regions, influenza can occur year-round, causing more periodic epidemics.
Who Are at an Elevated Risk of Getting Influenza?
Children and the elderly are at an elevated risk because the Influenza virus attacks the human immune system. Children and the elderly, especially those with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and weakened immune systems, are at increased risk of contracting the Influenza virus. Pregnant women are also at risk of contracting the virus. Children haven't been exposed to the flu for the past two years because of the new coronavirus. So the sudden outbreak of the H3N2 virus, a common variant of the mutant flu, led to a rise in the number of children infected.
What Helps the Spread of Influenza Virus?
Because the influenza virus is contagious, it can spread from one person to another through droplets from an infected person's coughing or sneezing and through droplets touched by an uninfected person's hands.
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Good hygiene is essential to prevent infection.
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Avoid going to crowded places and always wear a mask in public.
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Wash hands properly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using public transport.
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If unable to wash hands with water, use hand sanitizer.
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It is also recommended to maintain a distance from sick people.
How to Prevent Influenza Virus Infection?
Vaccination with the influenza virus vaccine is the primary way to prevent a severe seasonal influenza flu infection. Other ways to prevent the infection are listed below:
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Avoid being in close contact with people who have the flu or are showing flu symptoms.
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If feeling unwell or having symptoms, please stay home unless absolutely necessary.
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Always cover the face with a mask in crowded places.
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Avoid touching the face without washing hands.
Can COVID Vaccine Protect Against New Influenza?
The COVID vaccine is ineffective in protecting against the new seasonal influenza flu infection as the two viruses are so different. The virus that causes COVID-19 is completely different genetically from the new seasonal influenza virus, so the vaccine is also different. Thus the COVID-19 vaccine does not help prevent influenza. Vaccine production for any virus depends on the virus type, morphology, rate of spread, etc. Therefore, it is important to know that each vaccine only triggers the immune system to respond appropriately to the virus. There are other vaccines, flu shots, and flu vaccines that help prepare the immune system to fight the influenza virus infection.
Can COVID Vaccine and Influenza Vaccine Be Taken Together?
Influenza vaccination is important to protect against influenza and minimize the strain on the healthcare system. There are no special requirements regarding the order of vaccination against influenza and COVID-19. If both vaccines are available simultaneously and the individual is eligible for both vaccines, then both can be administered together as well.
What Are the Possible Side-Effects Accompanying Influenza Vaccine?
Minor side effects may occur after vaccination. Most reactions are mild and subside within a few days, and recovery is normal. Commonly seen side effects of the flu vaccine include:
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Drowsiness or fatigue.
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Muscle spasm.
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Swelling, pain, and redness at the injection site.
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Sometimes a lump at the injection site.
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Mild fever.
Talk to the vaccination provider about possible side effects of flu vaccination.
How Long Does the Effectiveness of Influenza Flu Shot Last?
Influenza viruses are constantly evolving, so flu vaccines are updated annually to ensure maximum efficacy against the latest strains discovered. This means that a vaccine given more than a year ago will not protect the body against the current strains of influenza. As with the COVID-19 vaccine, our body's immunity to the virus can weaken over time. This is another important reason one should get a flu shot yearly.
Conclusion:
Seasonal influenza, commonly referred to as the ‘flu,’ is caused by an influenza virus strain that infects the respiratory tract. Unlike many other common viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza can cause serious illness and life-threatening complications in many people. Influenza viruses are constantly changing. In general, new influenza virus strains circulate during each influenza season. Each year, before the flu season, the latest epidemic viruses are identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and incorporated into new vaccine formulations that offer the best protection. The flu vaccine protects against infection from influenza viruses, while COVID-19 vaccines protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID vaccine cannot protect a person against influenza. A separate vaccine for the influenza virus should be taken every year before the seasonal flu outbreak starts.
