Influenza (Flu)

 

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious disease that occurs every year. It is caused by the influenza virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets such as nasal mucus, saliva, or sputum when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes close to others.

 

Spread of Influenza

 

Influenza can spread throughout the year. In Thailand, outbreaks are more common during the rainy season and winter. For this reason, the Ministry of Public Health recommends annual influenza vaccination as an effective preventive measure.

 

The influenza vaccine can be administered to people from 6 months of age and older, including elderly individuals, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

 

Types of Influenza Vaccines

 

Currently, there are two types of influenza vaccines:

๐ Trivalent vaccine (3 strains)

๐ Quadrivalent vaccine (4 strains)

 

The quadrivalent influenza vaccine provides protection against four circulating influenza strains, which are commonly found in Thailand. This vaccine helps reduce the risk of infection, decrease the severity of illness, and lower the risk of death.

 

The quadrivalent influenza vaccine offers protection throughout the year and can be administered to both children and adults, particularly older adults, as it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and complications.

 

Who Should Receive the Influenza Vaccine?

 

Anyone aged 6 months and older can receive the influenza vaccine and should ideally be vaccinated once a year, since influenza outbreaks occur annually.

 

Groups at higher risk of influenza infection who are strongly recommended to receive the vaccine include:

๐ Pregnant women (more than 4 months pregnant). Influenza vaccines are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when needed.

๐ Children aged 6 months to 1 year

๐ Adults aged 65 years and older

๐ Individuals with obesity (body weight over 100 kg or BMI greater than 35 kg/m²)

๐ Individuals with severe neurological disabilities who cannot care for themselves

๐ Patients with thalassemia and individuals with weakened immune systems, including symptomatic HIV patients

๐ Patients with chronic diseases, including:

๐ Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

๐ Asthma

๐ Heart disease

๐ Cerebrovascular disease

๐ Kidney failure

๐ Diabetes

๐ Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy

 

Who Should Not Receive the Influenza Vaccine?

 

Individuals who should avoid influenza vaccination include:

๐ Infants younger than 6 months

๐ Individuals with a severe egg allergy

๐ Individuals with a history of allergic reactions to influenza vaccines or vaccine components

๐ Individuals with high fever or severe infection (those with mild fever may still receive the vaccine)

 

Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Composition

 

The quadrivalent influenza vaccine includes protection against four virus strains:

๐ Two Influenza A strains

๐ Two Influenza B strains

 

 

source : Bangphai Hospital

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team