Considering Flu Vaccines In Winter? Expert Shares All You Need To Know

Winter is the best time for vacations, get-togethers, picnics and what not. But as we all know, it is also the season of cold, flu and infections. Prevention is always better than cure. Here comes the role of flu shots or vaccinations. These are a boon during the colder months. But what is the right time to get a flu shot? Are there any side effects of these vaccinations? Today, we will answer these and more for you.

To get an expert view on this, we reached out to Dr Shrey Srivastav, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine, Sharda Hospital,Greater Noida. Keep reading.

When Is The Best Time To Get A Winter Flu Shot?

When it comes to vaccines, timing matters. We ask our expert what is the best time to get a flu shot in the colder months? “Obtaining a flu vaccine during the winter flu season would be most advisable during the earlier part of autumn, preferably even before the flu season commences. September or October would give the body the opportunity to establish immunity before the flu is prevalent,” shares Dr Srivastav.

On this note, let us take a look at some data and study which shows the benefits of flu shots:

• The flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related diseases each year. For instance, during 2019-2020,  flu vaccination prevented an estimated 7 million influenza illnesses, 3 million influenza-related medical visits, 100,000 influenza-related hospitalisations, and 7,000 influenza-associated deaths. This was the last flu season prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Flu vaccines have shown to reduce the risk of going to the doctor with flu by 40 - 60%.
• A 2021 study depicted that among adults hospitalised with flu, vaccinated patients had a 26% lower risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and a 31% lesser risk of death from flu compared with those who were unvaccinated.
• Another 2018 study in New Zealand showed that among adults hospitalised with flu, vaccinated patients were 59% less likely to be admitted to the ICU than those who had not been vaccinated.

Who Should And Shouldn’t Take The Flu Shot?

Are flu shots for everyone? Our expert answers who shot and who shouldn’t take flu vaccines.

“People aged six months plus are encouraged to get vaccinated. This applies to children, teenagers, adults, seniors, pregnant individuals, and people living with chronic conditions. Vaccination should also be done annually in individuals at risk of flu. This includes people living with conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease,” answers Dr Srivastav.

But who should avoid flu shots in winter? The expert shares that the following people should exclude themselves from flu vaccination:

• People under six months.
• People with life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine ingredients.
• Those who experienced any flu vaccine reaction in the past.
• Those with moderately to severely lowered immune systems should also reschedule vaccinations until full recovery.

Also Read: Should Senior Citizens Opt For Influenza And Pneumonia Shots In Winter?

Are There Any Side Effects Of Flu Shots?

Now we know that flu vaccines can be a saviour, especially during the colder months. But does it come with any cons too? “Some of the common side effects of the flu shot are generally temporary and mild and include localised infection or swelling, low-grade fever, headache, fatigue, and/or muscle aches. Serious side effects are very rare and require immediate reporting to a healthcare provider, if experienced by an individual,” answers Dr Srivastav.

Another common question that is often asked is – can we take the flu vaccine while having a cold and cough? “Yes, you should be able to get an influenza shot even if you are suffering from a cold or cough without fever. In cases where you may be dealing with a cold or cough accompanied by a fever and quite severe symptoms, maybe you should wait before you get another shot,” says the expert.

Tips To Take Flu Vaccines The Right Way

On this note, Dr Srivastav shares some tips one should keep in mind while taking flu shots:

• For taking the flu vaccine properly in winter, it is advisable to be vaccinated earlier.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions.
• Make doctors aware of your allergy history.
• Keep the site of injection clean.
• Be aware of the side effects while staying warm.
• Take plenty of rest after vaccination.

So, how long does immunity last after a flu vaccine? “Usually, immunity from a flu vaccine can be achieved within a period of two weeks post-vaccination, although it only lasts for a period of six months. Sometimes, the protection provided by the flu vaccine can gradually decline, hence the constant need for flu vaccination annually, especially due to the changes in flu virus types from time to time,” concludes Dr Srivastav.

Also Read: Managing Blood Pressure In Winter: Why Cold Weather Can Worsen Hypertension

The Final Word

People aged six months plus are encouraged to get vaccinated; especially during winter, flu shots are beneficial for overall good health. This applies to children, teenagers, adults, seniors, pregnant individuals, and people living with chronic conditions. Vaccination should also be done annually in individuals at risk of flu.