This year, it is especially important to protect yourself from the flu by being vaccinated, reminds the Russian Ministry of Health. The explanations were given by the Head of the Laboratory of Influenza Etiology and Epidemiology of the Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Academician Gamaleya of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Professor Elena Burtseva.
1) Why is it so important to get vaccinated at the very beginning of the epidemic season?
Elena Burtseva: The influenza virus is seasonal. Its activity usually starts in late November – early December, with peaks in January – February. In order to develop protective immunity, vaccination must be done in advance – for the formation of immunity, it takes 2 – 3 weeks.
Now is the best time to get vaccinated. I would also like to note that the flu, unlike other respiratory viral infections, along with the new coronavirus infection, still causes many complications. Vaccination is exactly the way that will prevent the development of such serious complications as, for example, pneumonia.
2) How are the recommendations to get vaccinated against influenza related to the coronavirus pandemic?
Elena Burtseva: Co-infection of influenza with any respiratory virus, including SARS-CoV-2 (a novel coronavirus), will always make the disease worse. Therefore, if we cut off the body’s susceptibility to influenza infection, then another infection, including the new coronavirus, will proceed more easily and without complications.
3) How do people who have not yet been vaccinated protect themselves from influenza?
Elena Burtseva: Influenza is an airborne infection, so the main prevention is preventing the spread of the virus from a sick person to a healthy person. Of course, wearing a mask will be effective – similar to the recommendations for protection against a new coronavirus infection. It is also best to avoid participating in public events, especially indoors.
It is also important to strengthen natural immunity. This is ensured by walking in the fresh air, proper nutrition, taking vitamins, and physical activity.
4) Which population groups should get the influenza vaccine first?
Elena Burtseva: We have a national immunization schedule, which provides for the priority vaccination of groups at risk for influenza infection: firstly, this is the group of the most susceptible people (children of preschool and school age, as well as people who, by their professional background, face infected people – these are medical workers, teachers, transport workers, trade). This also includes residents of residential institutions.
The second risk group is defined by persons with chronic somatic diseases, as well as pregnant women. Of course, infection with any respiratory infection, especially influenza and a new coronavirus infection, can lead to an exacerbation of somatic chronic diseases and the development of severe complications leading to death.
Vaccination prevents the risks of influenza infection for the first group, and the development of complications for the second.
5) Many people are afraid to get vaccinated, believing that side effects could damage their health. How justified are such fears?
Elena Burtseva: Such fears are not justified. Modern influenza vaccines are completely safe and slightly reactogenic (that is, they do not cause side effects). In addition, inactivated vaccines are mainly used, that is, they do not contain a live virus, therefore, vaccination cannot cause any respiratory disease.
Thus, the vaccination should not affect the overall well-being of the vaccinated person. If a person has had an adverse experience with influenza vaccination in the past, it is advisable for him to consult with a doctor.
6) It is believed that influenza vaccination can stimulate immunity in the fight against coronavirus, is this true?
Elena Burtseva: Such a hypothesis does exist, but it needs additional verification. This epidemic season will give us the answer to this question. The only thing that can be said: when vaccination is carried out (this was noticed before), the number of respiratory diseases decreases within one month after its implementation.
Let me remind you that the new coronavirus also belongs to acute respiratory viral infections. When vaccinated, the body reacts not only by developing specific immunity to the influenza virus, but other factors of immunity also increase slightly, so everything is possible.
7) Which is preferable: to protect yourself with a vaccine or rely on natural immunity, take medications. Which stimulate it?
Elena Burtseva: Don’t be afraid to get vaccinated! A lot of experience has been accumulated in Russia: in the past years, about 50% of the population received vaccinations, and cases of side effects were extremely rare.
Vaccination is a way to protect yourself for the entire epidemiological season, the effect of vaccination lasts throughout the year. It is more effective than drinking anti-influenza drugs for a long time to maintain the immune system without a doctor’s prescription, which is also dangerous. The composition of influenza vaccines contains 3-4 strains of the influenza virus, which are relevant for the current period, and the composition of the vaccines is the same for the whole world. Let me remind you that it is approved by the World Health Organization.
Each person should have their own experience: one must either believe or not, but for this one must try.
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