When to take the flu vaccine for seasonal flu?

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Most infections with influenza A and B viruses do not cause pronounced symptoms or cause acute, self-limiting, uncomplicated influenza with a sudden onset of fever (greater than or equal to 101.3°F (degree Fahrenheit)), dry cough, sore throat, body aches and pains, and headaches. Fatigue, sweating, nasal, and pharyngeal inflammation, as well as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are the additional symptoms.

In the absence of complications and risk factors, an influenza illness lasts five to seven days.

However, a small proportion of these infections may lead to complications such as pneumonia and bacterial superinfections that may require hospitalization.

People with the following medical conditions have a higher risk of severe influenza:

1. Immunocompromising conditions, such as HIV, malignancy, spleen removal, and chronic steroid use.

2. Receiving immuno-oncology medicines.

3. Received a hemotopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplant.

4. Cardiac disease.

5. Down syndrome.

6. Obesity.

7. Chronic respiratory conditions.

8. Chronic neurologic conditions.

9. Chronic liver disease.

10. Chronic illnesses that need medical follow-up or hospitalization.

11. Long-term aspirin therapy in children (aged 6 months to 10 years).

12. Preterm infants (less than 37 weeks gestation).

Prevention

1. Active non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) (e.g., face masks) and intensified hand hygiene (e.g., comprehensive hand washing) may be effective in preventing influenza infection.

2. In clinical settings or households, vaccination is considered the most effective way to prevent influenza.

The global pediatric guidelines recommend routine influenza vaccination and the use of antiviral agents for the prevention and treatment of influenza in children, respectively.

The composition of the influenza vaccines for the 2023 to 2024 season has been updated.

The recommended influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 component of the vaccine is new for this season.

The influenza A (H3N2), influenza B Yamagata lineage, and influenza B Victoria lineage components are unchanged from the previous season.

Although influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone starting at six months, emphasis should be placed on ensuring that high-risk and medically vulnerable children and their household contacts and caregivers receive annual influenza vaccines.

As per certain international guidelines, influenza vaccination is particularly recommended for:

1. Individuals aged six months to five years and greater than or equal to 65 years.

2. People with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe influenza

3. Healthcare workers, caregivers, and household contacts of people in high-risk groups, residents, staff, volunteers, and visitors to geriatric care and long-term residential facilities.

4. Homeless people.

5. Pregnant women.

6. Commercial poultry and pork industry workers and people who provide essential community services.

7. People who are traveling during the influenza season

Influenza vaccination:

Most people should receive one dose of the influenza vaccine each year. However, the following people should receive two doses, four weeks apart:

1. Children aged six months to nine years receive the influenza vaccine for the first time.

2. People of any age receive the influenza vaccine for the first time after hematopoietic stem cells or solid organ transplants.

The type of vaccine varies with age.

1. People aged 6 months to 65 years should receive a standard influenza vaccine.

2. People aged less than 65 years should receive an adjuvanted or high-dose influenza vaccine but may receive a standard influenza vaccine if the adjuvanted or high-dose vaccine is unavailable.

In addition, antiviral medications are required for post-exposure prevention with pediatrician or physician guidance and the child's body weight and health status.

I hope this helps.

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Thank you.