Is spicy viral disease, affecting mainly the respiratory tract of a person. In comparison with other respiratory viral infections (ARVI), influenza is the most severe and often leads to the development of serious complications, from which you can even die. That is why the world medical community pays great attention to the prevention of influenza.
There are several ways to protect yourself from the flu: avoiding crowded places, observing hygiene rules, strengthening the immune system, and taking antiviral drugs. However, annual vaccination is considered the most effective and most "convenient" method of influenza prevention from the point of view of the modern pace of life.
But what about the variability of the virus?
Indeed, there are many influenza viruses that cause a specific disease in humans: two types (A and B) and a large number of subtypes (they are determined by a set of special proteins located on the envelope of viral particles). In addition, colliding in nature, two viruses can exchange genetic material, forming completely new strains (variants of viruses). Knowing this, the pharmaceutical industry changes the composition of its influenza vaccines every year. WHO helps them in this. Specialists of this organization are engaged in tracking the circulation of influenza viruses among the population and predicting which pathogens will be relevant in the next season in each hemisphere.
This forecast, showing the three strains of influenza viruses, usually appears in March. After that, the development and production of vaccines begins. Over the past 20 years, a forecast error was made only once, while the inaccuracy concerned only one strain, information on the other two was fully confirmed with the onset of the seasonal flu epidemic.
Varieties of flu vaccines
There are four types of influenza vaccines:
- Live vaccinesthat contain weakened viruses that can cause flu-like symptoms. After using such drugs, good immunity is formed, but post-vaccination reactions and complications often develop. In addition, live influenza vaccines are contraindicated in many populations, which significantly limits their use. With a sufficient number of "minuses", this group of drugs remains interesting for medical science, since live vaccines can be administered through the nose in the form of drops and sprays, which is especially important in view of the need for annual vaccination.
- Inactivated whole virion vaccines... From the name it is clear that these drugs also contain whole viruses, but they are not capable of causing disease, since they are inactive.
- Split vaccines (split vaccines). They include all the protein structures of viruses, but the viruses themselves are not.
- Subunit vaccines - the most purified and least reactogenic drugs. They contain only two surface viral antigens necessary for the formation of immunity - neuraminidase (N) and hemagglutinin (H).
Today, the last two types of vaccines are most often used, since they are quite effective and the safest.
How flu vaccines work
Any flu vaccine contains proteins against which the immune system produces protective antibodies. The body needs 2-3 weeks for this process, after which a person is considered protected from influenza for an average of 6-8 months (for one epidemiological season). The next year, vaccination must be repeated with a drug that is already new in composition.
In older people, antibodies are produced at a lower intensity, therefore, in European countries, special vaccines are produced for this category of patients, in which there are more antigenic proteins and special substances that enhance the immune response are present.
Flu vaccination schedule
The timing of influenza vaccinations is determined by the availability of the vaccine for that season and the estimated time of the outbreak. As a rule, there are no vaccines before September, and the beginning of the epidemic usually falls on the month of December, therefore, according to WHO recommendations, the optimal time for vaccination against influenza is October-November. Of course, you can get vaccinated in December, but then the body will have less time to produce the required amount of protective antibodies.
note: Influenza vaccinations for children who have never previously had this disease and have not been vaccinated against it are carried out according to a different scheme - twice. That is, in September-October, it is desirable to have the first vaccination, and a month later - the second.
If the child needs to be vaccinated against another disease, the flu vaccine should be given a month earlier or later. Vaccination is also allowed on the same day, then each vaccine in separate syringes is injected into different parts of the body (in the case of anti-influenza drugs - intramuscularly or deeply subcutaneously into the thigh or shoulder area).
A pediatrician tells more about influenza vaccinations for children:
Influenza vaccination and indications for its implementation
- Small children (vaccination is allowed from the age of six months).
- Pregnant women.
- People over 65.
- Patients with chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, adenoids, heart ailments, blood pathologies, immunodeficiencies, etc.).
The selection of just such groups can be explained simply: all these categories of the population usually have a hard time tolerating the flu, they often develop complications (inflammation of the bronchi, lungs, inner ear, paranasal sinuses, etc.). In addition, in people with chronic pathologies, the flu can aggravate the course of the underlying ailment.
Persons who come into contact with the above categories of the population, in order to maximize the safety of their loved one or ward, are also desirable to be vaccinated. Parents of young children who do not want their child to get the flu shot can get the vaccine themselves.
In addition, schoolchildren, students, doctors, transport workers, teachers, educators, university professors and representatives of other similar professions should be annually immunized against influenza.
Flu shot: contraindications
The flu shot is contraindicated for people who are allergic to the components of the vaccine (for example, chicken protein, preservatives, antibiotics). In addition, live influenza vaccines should not be used in pregnant women and people with immunodeficiency disorders.
If a person has developed a serious post-vaccination reaction after being vaccinated against the flu, they cannot be re-vaccinated either. Another contraindication to immunization is any acute illness.
Flu shots for pregnant women
Since the period of vaccination against influenza is limited to two months a year, not everyone succeeds in carrying out this procedure at this stage (although this option for preventing influenza in expectant mothers is considered ideal). Therefore, in most cases, women have to make a decision about the need to protect themselves from influenza when they are already in a position. You shouldn't be afraid of getting flu shots during this period of your life. Modern split and subunit vaccines are considered safe for both the pregnant woman and the fetus.
It is recommended to vaccinate expectant mothers in the 2-3 trimester of pregnancy. If the first trimester falls during the vaccination campaign (October-November), doctors assess the risks to the health of the mother and fetus. For example, if a woman has a serious chronic illness (heart or lung problem, diabetes mellitus), her risk of developing complications from influenza is hundreds of times higher than the risk of any negative consequences of vaccination.
Side effects of flu vaccines
After vaccinations against influenza, as after any other vaccinations, post-vaccination reactions and complications may appear. Most often, local reactions occur in the form of slight redness, swelling, soreness at the injection site of the vaccine. General malaise and short-term fever, various allergic manifestations are also possible. In isolated cases, post-vaccination complications develop (this is already a variant of the abnormal course of the post-vaccination period) in the form of neurological disorders and serious allergic reactions.
In addition, patients may face certain problems if the medical staff made a mistake during the vaccination:
Flu vaccination myths
Consider the most common myths about influenza vaccination:
- "The vaccine is ineffective." Indeed, no vaccination gives a 100% guarantee that a person will not get the flu or other acute respiratory viral infections, but the course of this ailment, if protective antibodies are present in the body, will be easier.
- "Deafness may develop after vaccination." Modern inactivated influenza vaccines rarely cause complications, but otitis media and, as a consequence, hearing problems after the flu is not uncommon.
- "The flu vaccines are too heavy and completely unnecessary burden on the child's immunity." Every day every child walking on the street, visiting crowded places, communicating with peers, encounters a mass of viruses and bacteria, and they all stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, that is, "load" it. Such "training" is very beneficial for the immune system, and vaccines simply send them in the right direction.
Summing up, it is worth emphasizing once again that the effectiveness and safety of influenza vaccinations, for and against which everyone has the right to be, is not a myth, but a fact confirmed by science.
Many people are ambivalent about influenza vaccination due to the many conflicting opinions about it. Some say that after the flu shot, their backs ached, fever, and symptoms of a cold appeared. Whether such phenomena are possible will be discussed later.
What to do to avoid getting infected
Influenza - Acute infection upper respiratory tractcaused by a virus accompanying numerous epidemics.
Symptoms of infection: the temperature rises to 38 ° C and above, joints and muscles ache, headache, weakness, accompanied by cough and runny nose.
Discovered 2000 types of viruses with a wide range of antigens. According to reports from the Ministry of Health, at the time of a pandemic, from 250 to 500 thousand people die in the world every year. In the past, the death toll was in the millions. There are 200 types of bacteria that produce symptoms that are similar to those of the flu. But ARVI and flu are different diseases, they should not be confused.
Preventive methods:
- protective personal devices;
- washing with disinfectants, detergents;
- avoiding contact with infected people;
- vaccination;
- taking antiviral drugs;
- when coughing, you need to cover your nose and mouth, avoid spitting.
The source of the endemic is the patient. Talking, coughing, sneezing are the main ways of transmission of the virus. The patient is contagious from the moment of infection. The virus is characterized by an airborne spreading mechanism, lightning-fast transmission. Types of influenza: A, B, C. Type A and B viruses are epidemic in nature, and type C occurs singly in children and pensioners.
In the off-season, people get sick most often. During this time of year, the humidity in the air decreases, which creates a suitable environment for viruses to enter the body. Dryness of the nose, trachea, bronchi, hypothermia are favorable conditions for the reproduction of microbes.
Who is at risk
The frequency of epidemics is associated with the continuous evolution of the virus. The risk group includes:
- people with chronic lung disease;
- cores;
- pregnant women;
- diabetics;
- the elderly;
- children.
There are no specific drugs against influenza: antibiotics do not act on viruses, antiviral agents not always effective. High risk the development of complications is a sign that you need to be vaccinated.
What to do to avoid getting the flu? Secure yourself by taking protective measures. Vaccination is a possible way out of this situation.
Pros and cons of vaccination
On the Internet, there are hundreds of reviews of people expressing dissatisfaction with vaccination, citing their own cases as examples. There are complaints about the onset of allergies, intercostal neuralgia, migraines, problems with vision or hearing, decreased immunity, fever.
There is a fierce controversy surrounding influenza vaccination. Her supporters and opponents 
express their opinions.
Some consider preventive vaccination dangerous, ineffectual, because during it the human body is exposed to dangerous infection. The vaccine is a biologically active material. Its efficiency and quality depend on the manufacturing process, storage. The body's response to the vaccine is unknown, as the immune system can become vulnerable to respiratory illness.
Others argue that vaccination is essential and the only possible way to protect yourself. Vaccinated people get the flu less often, they are protected from complications, which prevents death. The vaccinated, having become infected, transfers the infection more easily.
There are doubts about the benefits of flu shots among healthcare providers. By mutating, viruses change. The altered disease is spreading across the planet. It is impossible to know in advance what vaccine needs to be created. Production of the required antiviral drug drags on for several months.
It must be remembered that if the body is prone to allergies, then a negative reaction may appear under the influence of the vaccine.
The body's response to the vaccine
Many people are worried about whether the flu may occur after the vaccination. The composition of the vaccine is viral proteins that cause an immune response. After the injection of the drug, the temperature rises, and redness and pain appear at the point of penetration of the needle.
The multiple mutation of the virus makes it impossible to deal with the infection forever. No one can predict what kind of flu will be. Therefore, the vaccine that the body needs to fight the virus is not always administered.
Vaccination is contraindicated if there is:
- intolerance to chicken egg protein;
- exacerbated chronic disease;
- ARI, ARVI.
Caution should be exercised by people who have experienced complications from previous vaccinations and women in a position.
Can I get sick after vaccination? Sometimes vaccinations cause soreness, swelling of the arm, fever, and muscle pain.
About the fact that someone got sick after being vaccinated against influenza (there was a severe runny nose, pharyngitis, cough, body aches, fever) medical centers give the following comment: the defense was not formed at the right time, the patient met the virus at a time when the immune system was not yet ready for this.
How the vaccine works
Some things you need to know before getting vaccinated:
- Any virus or bacteria is made up of proteins. For humans, they are antigens. Proteins enter the body, the immune system begins to produce antibodies that should destroy the infection.
- What bacteria are present in the preparation for the procedure? These are dead pathogens. Immunity reacts to them and forms antibodies.
- If a virus attacks after vaccination, the immune system will respond instantly. The antibodies are ready to fight, so the disease will not start or will go away in a mild form.
Doctors are often asked if it is possible to get infected after vaccination.
The vaccine protects against the virus involved in this year's epidemic, but the risk of contracting an unpopular variety remains.
The reliability of the formed protection against influenza after vaccination depends on the individual characteristics of the organism, the age and state of health of the patient. The created antibodies disintegrate six months after the injection. In the next season, you will need to vaccinate again.
Flu is very easy to catch. The virus enters the body with the air when the patient coughs or sneezes. Reproducing, it leads to intoxication, fever, muscle weakness, headache, runny nose and cough. In young children and people with weakened immune systems, the disease can cause serious complications and even death. Therefore, by giving children flu vaccinations on time, parents protect them from the disease itself and its possible consequences. In Russia, a child is recommended to be vaccinated from the age of six months.
According to WHO statistics, influenza affects 3 to 5 million people every year. Of these, 250 to 500 thousand die from complications. In developing countries, infections of the bronchi and lungs associated with influenza cause up to 99% of deaths in children under five years of age.
Influenza (grippe) is an acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI). Every year in many countries, its epidemics are observed, covering a large mass of the population. There are 2000 known strains of influenza viruses. In some countries, this disease is called influenza (exposure). Influenza viruses belong to the Ortomyxoviridae family, which includes genera A, B, C.
How do you get the flu?
The source of infection is always a person with the flu who spreads the virus by coughing, sneezing, or through infected hands. The patient is contagious from the first minutes of infection and during the next week. The incubation period ranges from several hours to three days.
The virus weakens the immune system, so a secondary bacterial infection can join with the occurrence of severe complications. Sometimes a person becomes infected with other types of flu. For example, the flu of birds ("avian") or animals ("swine").
Classification of viruses: A, B, C and their varieties
Proteins-antigens (M1 and NP) make it possible to identify and assign the influenza virus to the genera A, B or C. And thanks to the proteins located on the surface of viruses - hemagglutinins (HA) and neuraminidases (NA) - they are divided into subspecies. Thus, there are 18 subtypes of HA and 11 subtypes of NA. Viruses that humans can infect include:
- three subtypes of HA - H 1, H 2, H 3;
- two subtypes of NA - N 1, N 2.
Viruses A and B contain HA and NA as the main structural and antigenic components. Virus C does not contain neuraminidase, but contains hemagglutinin esterase protein (HEF).
Influenza viruses have the shape of a "ball", in the middle of which there are eight RNA-containing components surrounded by a lipoprotein membrane. On the surface of the viruses there are "sprouts" representing hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Viruses have specific enzymes that allow them to enter red blood cells. Hemagglutinins and neuraminidases are antigens, inducers of antibody synthesis against any virus strain.
Influenza A viruses often change the structure of their antigens, which is rarely seen in B viruses. Genome modifications lead to changes in proteins (hemagglutinins and neuraminidases) and, as a result, the emergence of numerous variants, which are named according to the region of discovery, years and characteristics of the NA. For example, A / Moscow / 10/99 (H 3 N 2) or A / New Caledonia / 120/99 (H 1 N 1).
Influenza epidemics caused by the A virus occur every two to three years, and the B virus once every four to six years. Influenza C virus affects a small number of immunocompromised individuals and young children.
How often and what epidemics break out
Influenza epidemics usually occur in the fall and winter. The most common virus A is "responsible" for the following types of diseases:
- H 1 N 1 ("Spanish flu") - at the beginning of the twentieth century, killed about 40 million people;
- H 2 N 2 ("Asian flu") - originated in Hong Kong, 2 billion people were sick, 1 million died;
- H 5 N 1 ("avian") - this flu occurs after people come into contact with infected poultry, has been observed in many regions;
- H 1 N 1 ("swine") - it is highly pathogenic, transmitted from an animal (pig), but an already sick person can serve as a source.
In the 2008-2009 season, the following fell ill with the flu:
- kids under two years old - 39,5%;
- children from three to six years old - 42%;
- children from seven to 14 years old - 18%;
- persons over 14 years old - until 3%.
When deciding whether a child needs a flu shot, parents should consider these statistics.
Last season (2016-2017) in Russia, influenza pathogens were mainly A (H 1 N 1), A (H 3 N 2), and less - B-virus.
What strains need immunity
The vaccine preparation includes antigens of three strains of the influenza virus, selected on the recommendation of WHO, which studies the prevalence of viruses and revises the composition of vaccines twice a year. Viruses A and B are the main sources of epidemics. For this reason, the vaccines for seasonal (2016-2017) influenza included, respectively, strains of viruses A and B, containing 15 μg of GA (hemagglutinin):
- A / Hong Kong / 4801/2014 / NYMC X, 263 B;
- A / California / 7/2009 / NYMC X-181;
- B / Brisbane / 60/2008.
A vaccine with this composition is a protection against seasonal influenza and a prophylactic agent against "swine" influenza A (H 1 N 1). In addition to the three components (2A + B), since 2013 in the northern latitudes, it has been recommended to add the fourth component (another B-virus) to the vaccine preparation. The "quadrivalent" vaccine is considered to be more effective against B-virus diseases.
Vaccines allowed with us
Several types of influenza vaccines have been registered and approved in Russia. They differ in the method of production and composition. Which one to choose for immunizing a child depends on the age of the baby, since not all vaccines can be vaccinated against influenza for children under one year old.
- Live attenuated (allantoic LHI)... This vaccine contains a live attenuated virus. In Russia, Ultravac is produced in the form of a spray for irrigation of the nasal passages with a special dispenser. Such drugs are prescribed only to children over three years old and adults. For persons over 14 years old, 0.25 ml of the agent is introduced into each nasal passage, vaccinating once. Children from three to 14 years old are also vaccinated, but after the first injection of the drug (0.25 ml), observing an interval of a month, the drug is re-injected.
- Inactivated, containing whole viruses... In Russia, the vaccine "Grippovac" is produced, which is administered to children from seven to 17 years old in the nose at 0.25 ml twice with an interval of a month.
- Inactivated split (split)... They consist of purified antigenic surface proteins and other proteins. Several drugs are used in Russia: "Fluarix", "Vaxigrip", "Benrivak" (Germany). Children from six months to three years old are injected into the muscle of the shoulder with 0.25 ml of the drug, and after three years - 0.5 ml.
- Subunit inactivated... They are made up of virus antigen proteins. Such vaccines against influenza for children are called "Influvac", "Agrippal S1", "Grippol" and "Grippol plus" (Russia). "Grippol" is injected into babies from six months (0.25 ml), and "Grippol plus" - from three years old (0.5 ml).
- Virosomal inactivated... An example of such a vaccine is Inflexal V. It contains a complex of antigens, contains no preservatives, is well tolerated, improves immunity. 0.25 ml is injected into the shoulder or thigh.
The antigen activates the synthesis of antibodies, which is completed three to four weeks after the moment of vaccination. That is, immunization must be carried out in advance - a few weeks before the traditional start of the epidemic period. How long does the vaccine last? In a vaccinated child, immunity lasts for 10-12 months. The preventive effectiveness of the vaccine corresponds to 75-92%.
What drugs are available for free
Domestic "Grippol" and "Grippol Plus" are free vaccines for children. (Babies are not given live vaccines due to frequent side effects). To get this vaccine, you need to contact your local clinic. Before vaccination, the doctor examines the child, examines the results of blood and urine tests, and clarifies the issue of the tolerability of the vaccine preparation.
Vaccination against influenza can be not only routine (seasonal), but also emergency, if an unfavorable epidemic situation has been created, and there are many cases of influenza.
Who are assigned
Free drugs "Grippol" or "Grippol plus" are assigned to the following categories of people:
- children under seven years old;
- school students;
- students;
- people working in medical, trade, transport, educational institutions;
- military contingent;
- elderly people (over 60 years old).
- patients with asthma, bronchitis, hypertension, pyelonephritis;
- patients with ARVD with frequent relapses;
- HIV-infected;
- patients receiving chemotherapy or long-term aspirin.
To the risk group, immunization is carried out exclusively with an inactivated drug.
If the parents decide to vaccinate in a private clinic or with an imported drug, then the child will have to pay for the flu shot. You can also get your child vaccinated against the flu by inviting a special medical team at home. But this procedure will cost even more.
"Grippol": immunization schemes
The instruction of the drug "Grippol" describes in detail its composition. The solution contains three types of influenza virus antigens, which are glycoproteins, hemagglutinins and neuraminidases. They were obtained from viruses A and B. To achieve a better immune response, the immunostimulant polyoxidonium was added to the antigens.
The vaccine solution is in an ampoule (0.5 ml) or placed in a disposable syringe (0.5 ml). One dose of the drug (0.5 ml) contains 500 μg of polyoxidonium and three hemagglutinins of viruses:
- A (H 1 N 1) - 5 μg;
- A (H 3 N 2) - 5 μg;
- B - 11 mcg.
Influenza vaccinations are given to children intramuscularly or subcutaneously in the shoulder. Preliminarily, the injection site is treated with alcohol and dried. For babies with low weight, it is recommended to inject the drug into the thigh muscle. The immunization schedule is as follows.
- Healthy children from six months to three years... Children who have not been vaccinated before are injected with 0.25 ml (1/2 dose) of the drug twice: revaccination is carried out a month after the first injection. If the child was already vaccinated last year, then in the new season he will be injected with 0.5 ml (1 dose) of the drug once.
- Healthy children from three years old and adults... One dose (0.5 ml) is injected once.
- Immunodeficient patients... And also persons receiving immunosuppressive drugs undergo immunization as follows: they are injected with 0.5 ml (1 dose) of the drug twice with an interval of a month.
Antiallergic agents should be in the vaccination room in case of an inadequate reaction to vaccine components in a child. For the same purpose, after vaccination, the child must be monitored in a polyclinic for half an hour.
Compatibility with other drugs
The influenza vaccine can be used concurrently with other inactivated drugs, except for BCG. However, it must be injected into various places on the shoulder or thigh. Pay attention to two more points:
- heart and kidney disease - if the child has such a chronic disease, then immunization is carried out outside the period of exacerbation;
- the use of immunosuppressive therapy - it can weaken the effect of vaccination.
The influenza vaccine protects against the flu, but not against others respiratory infections and bird flu. The advantage of vaccination is that it activates the immune system without causing disease. A vaccinated child cannot be a source of infection for his environment.
Reaction and consequences
Vaccination is usually well tolerated by babies. But sometimes in the first days after the procedure, the child may have an increased reaction to the vaccine, which is attributed to the disadvantages of immunization. However, this is a variation of the norm and should not be a concern for parents. The reaction can manifest itself as:
- weakness;
- subfebrile temperature (37.7 ° C);
- soreness or hardening of the injection site;
- redness (hyperemia) of the injection site.
These symptoms usually disappear after two to three days. If the child's discomfort persists longer and occurs heat (39 ° C), you need to give an antipyretic drug and consult a pediatrician. Whether such a condition has become a consequence of vaccination or there are other reasons, only a doctor can determine after an additional examination of the baby.
When immunization is contraindicated
There are cases in which vaccination of children against influenza is unacceptable. Among the contraindications:
- chicken protein allergy (vaccines are prepared using a chicken embryo);
- severe reaction, sometimes with complications, to the first injection of the drug;
- immunodeficiency states;
- acute infections or recurrence of pathologies;
- tumors;
- pathology of the nervous system;
- pregnancy (you cannot enter a live virus).
It is impossible to vaccinate against influenza a sick child if the disease is in the active phase (runny nose, cough, fever). In this case, you must wait until complete recovery, consult a pediatrician and get vaccinated according to the schedule that the doctor advises. At the same time, remember that according to the recommendations of doctors, children with pathologies of the nervous system, heart and kidneys must be vaccinated against influenza.
Whether or not to get a flu shot for children
In recent years, there have been many publications in the media about the dangers of immunization. Therefore, parents have doubts about whether to get flu shots for children. Very often, such comments and reviews are written by incompetent persons with no special knowledge. And doctors with experience and education say that the flu shot can be avoided only in two cases:
- the child is protected from possible carriers of the virus - that is, does not attend a kindergarten (school) and all members of his family, close relatives and friends were vaccinated;
- baby is not yet six months old - and also if there are medical contraindications for vaccination.
Keep these points in mind when discussing in the family council whether your child needs a flu shot or not.
The flu virus itself is not too scary. Much more destructive are the effects of the toxins that appear in our body after the virus has begun to work. A flu shot is probably the surest way to keep your child from getting sick and enjoying the winter to the fullest. Side effects from vaccines are rare today, but alas, they can be.
Why is it needed?
Why do you even need a flu shot, which has numerous side effects and complications? Are you sure that your child has excellent immunity and receives all the necessary vitamins so that the body can wage war on its own against the influenza virus? In addition, children are more communicative, so if one child falls ill in the classroom, in the garden or in the yard, soon everyone will go to bed. The flu shot is a kind of training for the body so that it learns to determine which of the aliens is the enemy of health and, thanks to this, does not get sick. And it is done so that the side effects and complications after the flu do not become fatal. The flu shot can contain both live viruses, which are weakened, and killed, that is, inactivated. The second type of flu shot is used much more often and is also divided into such varieties as split (split), whole virion, and also subunit. Complications most often occur after vaccination of the second type, the latter are the safest and side effects after they are rare.
In addition, she has contraindications.
Contraindications
- So, the flu vaccine is not administered to children under six months, as well as to children who have recently (about 14 days ago) had a cold;
- Also, you can not do it for children and adults with intolerance to proteins and other components;
- There are contraindications for those with allergic dermatitis;
- With bronchial asthma;
- If there were complications after the previous vaccination. If the child has poorly tolerated other vaccinations, then this will not be better either;
- After and during the exacerbation of all chronic diseases;
- With neurological diseases.
Side effects
Side effects can often be simply due to the wrong flu shot. For example, if contraindications were not observed or the doctor did not find the available ones. Poor-quality vaccine, violations of the rules for its transportation and storage, as well as the technique and basic rules of vaccination may also be to blame.
If you do not follow the contraindications and vaccinate children with congenital immunodeficiency with a live vaccine, this is fraught with the most negative consequences;
If safety rules are violated, then there may be such troubles as suppuration or allergies, it also happens that after an incorrectly carried out vaccination, the child immediately fell ill with lymphadenitis.
The poor quality of the vaccine may be evidenced by the fact that a group of children vaccinated at the same time developed exactly the same complications.
If the rules of storage and transportation have been violated, the effectiveness of vaccination may decrease. Also, the properties of the vaccine may change and this will lead to allergic reactions.
Complications can make themselves felt in the event that the child fell ill before the vaccination itself, and this was not noticeable if the drug itself had a toxic effect or if the patient's sensitivity was increased.
In case of any complications, first of all, you need to call a doctor who will prescribe the necessary antiallergic medications, as well as antibiotics and cleansing drugs. You cannot assign all this to yourself.
As for the specific side effects after the flu shot, they can be local and general. Local are expressed in the form of swelling and redness of the injection site, pain and severe inflammation. There is also allergic dermatitis at the injection site. Lymph nodes may enlarge slightly. In these cases, you can do nothing, but you can take an anti-allergic medicine. Pain and redness may appear after the injection is made subcutaneously, and not in the muscle.
Common reactions include fever (but not severe), loss of appetite, cold hands and feet, headaches, sleep problems, and dizziness. Loss of consciousness is extremely rare. All this is considered normal by doctors: the body simply reacts aggressively to the antigen, and at this time, immunity is developed. If the temperature really bothers the baby or you, the usual antipyretic will come to the rescue.
Post-vaccination complications
In fact, these are isolated cases, but they still took place. Rarely, but still there is neuralgia, that is, pain along the course of one of the nerves. The child may also complain of numbness in the legs and arms, cramps and spasms. Thrombocytopenia is also considered a complication, that is, a drop in platelet levels for a while.
Anaphylactic shock, that is, a severe allergy that causes heart failure, is also a rare occurrence. Also found among the complications of lymphadenitis, systemic vasculitis and disorders of the nervous system.
And it also happens that a child or an adult gets sick immediately after vaccination. Usually, however, this is not a flu virus, but usually ARVI and the disease has entered the body, the immunity of which is "confused" after vaccination. That is why vaccinations in the summer or fall are ideal. Unfortunately, at this time you can be vaccinated against the virus that will come in winter and there will be little benefit. But some kind of vaccination is still better than completely unprotected immunity.
In order for no consequences of vaccination to be observed, it is better to be in the clinic for a while after the injection so that you can immediately consult a doctor: anaphylactic shock most often appears after 30 minutes, allergic reactions can be felt even earlier. Watch your child at home as well: the next few days may not bring pleasant surprises. Usually everything goes without problems, but anything can happen ...
Influenza and preventive vaccination against it
If, for example, you had a difficult flu shot last year, then it is clearly contraindicated for you. And it's best not to experiment by trying again.
All types of influenza vaccines are made from chicken protein. If you do not eat chicken eggs because they cause you allergic reactions, you will have to give up vaccinations once and for all.
Some vaccines include antibiotics such as "Polymyxin" or "Gentamicin", "Neomycin" (and others from this series), as well as formaldehyde, octoxynol-9. They can cause severe allergies. These drugs, of course, are absolutely contraindicated in this category of patients.
As for allergies, if painful reactions occurred earlier to vaccinations against any other diseases, this type of prevention will have to be excluded.
The Grippovac vaccine has its own contraindications. These are immunodeficiency states, cancerous tumors, diffuse connective tissue diseases (lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, etc.), severe diseases of the nervous system, adrenal glands. Live vaccines that are administered nasal cavity, besides all this, are contraindicated in pregnancy.
At the time of vaccination, the patient should feel relatively healthy. You cannot do it if you are feeling unwell, the temperature is even slightly elevated, there are signs of a cold, even a slight runny nose. Of course, vaccination is out of the question in an acute infection.
Aggravation chronic diseases is also a contraindication, but temporary. Vaccinations can be started as soon as they subside or recover. The duration of the vaccination should be determined only by a doctor.
Very rarely, Guillain-Barré syndrome develops after the administration of the vaccine. This is acute polyradiculitis with partial loss of muscle sensitivity and limited movement. If it does not go away in a month and a half, the vaccine should not be given.
There are diseases in which the issue of influenza vaccination in each case must be resolved with a doctor. After all, much depends on the stage of the disease, the severity of its course, complications. it bronchial asthma, hypertension, heart failure, kidney damage, diabetes, blood diseases.
Contraindications for children
You cannot vaccinate against influenza in infants who are under six months old. But babies from 6 months to 2 years old should definitely be vaccinated, since it is at this age that they do not yet have persistent immunity against viruses.
As adults, it is contraindicated for children to be vaccinated with an allergy to chicken protein, as well as with a pseudo-allergy to the cold. The introduction of the vaccine is also excluded with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Children should not be vaccinated if they have had adverse reactions after the previous vaccination, even if they are mild enough.
Check with your doctor
To ensure that the vaccine is only beneficial, before doing it, consult your physician. Did you have a great vaccination last year? But a lot can change in a year. And it's better to make sure that you have no contraindications.