Influenza
Dr. Frank Okosun Jr. completed his Internal Medicine Internship and Residency at Meharry Medical College Nashville Tennessee where he was also the Vice President of the House Staff Association. During his Internship, he was selected by the program faculty as the Intern of the year. Dr. Okosun is board-certified by the American... more
Influenza, often referred to as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The severity of the disease can range from mild to severe, occasionally leading to hospitalization and even death. Influenza vaccination, also known as the flu shot, is the most effective preventive measure against the flu. The influenza vaccine functions by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against influenza viruses. These antibodies provide protection against infection if the vaccinated individual is exposed to the virus. The vaccine is reformulated annually to match the circulating influenza virus strains predicted to be prevalent in the upcoming flu season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone aged six months and older, with rare exceptions. Particularly, it is crucial for individuals at high risk of developing severe flu complications, such as pregnant women, elderly individuals, children under the age of 5, and people with certain chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. Influenza vaccination is not only beneficial for the vaccinated individual but also contributes to herd immunity in the community. This reduces the overall spread of the virus, thereby protecting individuals who might not be able to get vaccinated due to various reasons, including allergies to vaccine components or being younger than six months.
Despite its proven effectiveness, misconceptions about the influenza vaccine often deter people from getting vaccinated. It is important to dispel these misconceptions and educate patients about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. The most common side effects of the vaccine are mild and temporary, including soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, and mild body aches. The vaccine cannot cause flu as it contains killed or weakened viruses. In summary, influenza vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent the flu and its potentially severe complications. As healthcare providers, it is our responsibility to advocate for annual influenza vaccination, educate patients about its importance, and address any concerns they may have.
