Flu season is approaching: what you need to know about seasonal vaccination and supporting your immune system

      Ekaterina Zabolotskikh, a therapist-gastroenterologist with the Sovremed network of medical centers, explained what you need to know about the seasonal illness and how to protect yourself.

      Influenza is dangerous because complications can develop afterwards. These include otitis — an inflammatory disease of the ear; sinusitis — inflammation of the paranasal sinuses; pyelonephritis — inflammation of the kidney tissues; pneumonia, which mainly develops in people with comorbidities (bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease, etc.). Also meningoencephalitis — inflammation of the meninges and brain substance; cerebral edema — one of the most severe complications of influenza. And the worst — death, which usually amounts to 1–2% during the disease season.

      "The main peak of influenza incidence is late autumn — winter — early spring. Accordingly, so that immunity has time to develop, vaccination should be started in September. And for people with immunodeficient conditions, and children receiving the vaccine for the first time, a second dose of the vaccine should be given 28 days before the onset of the viral infection season," the doctor explains. She adds: "If you belong to the category of people for whom a single dose is recommended, it is best to be vaccinated by October — early November. Antibodies begin to form in 2–4 weeks, so it is important to allow time before the rise in incidence."

      "As a therapist, I am often asked: should pregnant women be vaccinated? Definitely — according to the instructions, vaccination is recommended in the 2nd–3rd trimester. There is no convincing evidence for vaccination in the 1st trimester, however medicine is developing and does not stand still," the doctor emphasizes.

      Contraindications for vaccination:

      - severe course of an acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI);

      - postoperative condition;

      - patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy (after bone marrow transplantation, organ transplantation) — in this case vaccination is discussed with the treating physician;

      - exacerbation of chronic diseases.

      When vaccination is permissible but you have doubts:

      - mild course of ARVI;

      - even if there is a mild allergy to egg protein, such as a rash or atopic dermatitis, without complications in other systems and without anaphylactic shock.

      What side effects may be observed?

      - fever;

      - weakness;

      - malaise;

      - discomfort at the injection site;

      - headache;

      - muscle pain.

      Of course, a healthy lifestyle, a varied diet, hardening, and healthy sleep are the best foundation for our bodies. But one does not preclude the other.

      "Vaccination is necessary and beneficial! And most importantly — vaccination is safe and protects against influenza complications! We are responsible for our own health. If we can help our bodies, then let's help them," notes Ekaterina Zabolotskikh.