Respiratory diseases like the flu or influenza frequently increase due to seasonal changes. In most cases, infection caused by germs leads the body to create antibodies to fight against future infections. However, becoming sick numerous times in one season is expected. If you've had the flu before but are experiencing the same symptoms a few weeks later, you should be tested again. This is because being affected by another flu outbreak is possible.
Is It Possible To Have The Flu Twice In One season?
Yes. It is possible to acquire the flu twice in the same season. This is because there are usually more than one strain of the flu virus flying around at any given time. Influenza is classified into two types, influenza A and influenza B. Several subtypes of influenza A are named after a protein found on the virus's surface. You may have heard of the H1N1 subtype before. There are two forms of influenza B.
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During flu season, a single subtype is usually the most common, but many other subtypes can also be present. This allows for infection more than once over the season.
Are You Immune To the Flu Now That You’ve Had It
To some extent, yes. Your body develops immunity to the strain of flu virus that infected you. However, the flu virus continually changes to evade the human immune system. And your body will not be immune to the virus's modifications. In the same flu season, you could be infected by a variety of the same strain or a completely different strain.
A single subtype is usually the most common during a flu season, but many other subtypes can also be present. This enables for infection multiple times over the season.
What Is The Most Effective Strategy To Boost Flu Immunity
Getting vaccinated is the most excellent method to protect yourself from the flu and develop immunity. However, remember that the vaccine does not provide 100% protection against the flu, as everyone's immune system reacts differently to immunisation. Because the virus evolves, scientists must forecast which flu strain is most likely to cause infection. This occurs almost a year in advance. It is sometimes entirely accurate, and sometimes it's not. However, it is still the best way to build immunity each season.
Also read: Getting A Flu Shot May Lower Risk Of Stroke, Study Finds
The flu vaccine also aids in the prevention of serious illness, hospitalisation, and mortality caused by the flu. So, unless you are sensitive to any of its components, it is critical to have the vaccine every year.
When should you consult a doctor if you have influenza
Most of the symptoms of flu can be treated at home. However, you must seek medical attention if you have:
- Having difficulty breathing
- Chest ache
- Amount of blood oxygen less than 90% (using a pulse oximeter)
- Vomiting that won't go away
- Extreme vulnerability
- Dizziness
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