Annual Flu Shot Prevents Serious Illness, Hospitalization And Death

The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a sharp spike in the number of influenza (flu) cases in the country. A total of 65,859 flu cases were reported from January 1 to May 13, 2023 compared to 30,728 cases reported during the same period last year – a 114% increase. The flu season in the country is from June to November, coinciding with the rainy season.

Flu is a contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, or even
death, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recommends everyone six months and older get an annual flu vaccine.

Benefits of flu vaccine

• Flu vaccination prevents illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. It is also an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions. For example, flu vaccination has been associated with lower rates of some cardiac events among people with heart disease.
• Vaccinating pregnant women helps protect them from flu illness and hospitalization. It has also been shown to help protect the baby from flu infection for several months after birth.
• A 2017 study in the US showed that flu vaccine can be life-saving in children.
• Some people who get vaccinated still get sick with the flu, but they often experience less severe illness.

Why is it important to get a flu vaccine every year?
Flu viruses are constantly changing. This is why flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests will be common during the
upcoming flu season.

Moreover, your protection from a flu vaccine declines over time; hence, yearly vaccination is needed for the best protection.

Schedule your family’s flu vaccination now by visiting https://www.vaccination.watsons.com.ph/.

References:

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/06/14/2273780/flu-cases-114. Accessed 11 October 2023
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/general/strong-defense-against-flu.pdf. Accessed 11 October 2023
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/139/5/e20164244/38814/Influenza-Vaccine-Effectiveness-Against-Pediatric?redirectedFrom=fulltext. Accessed 11 October 2023