12/4/2023 “National Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 6–Dec. 12)” By Kaylee McGrath

Opening Statement:

As a gentle reminder for everyone to stay protected in the upcoming winter months, if you haven’t already taken your vaccination shot, it is not too late! It is encouraged by many healthcare professionals to get your flu shot as early as possible. The season for the flu is very unpredictable as it can begin as early as the fall and last up to the springtime. It has been stated that flu activity is at its peak during winter, and the public healthcare professionals, advocates, and communities join hands to promote flu vaccinations. Unfortunately, many people tend to show a careless attitude towards the flu, dismissing it as a bad cold. But the flu is more than that. The flu can cause serious health complications, such as bacterial infections or pneumonia, and can get you admitted to a hospital. If not treated at the right time, the flu can even lead to death. To prevent such misfortunes and to raise awareness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) created the National Influenza Vaccination Week (N.I.V.W.) in 2005.

History Of National Influenza Vaccination Week

· Has any of your grandparents ever mentioned the Spanish Flu? Also known as the 1918 Influenza pandemic, the Spanish Flu was one of the deadliest flu outbreaks in human history. Caused by the H1 N1 influenza virus, the disease spread across the globe, toward the end of World War I. The earliest case of the flu was detected in military personnel in Kansas, March 1918.

· The Spanish flu infected almost one-third of the world’s population, in four successive waves. It recorded a high death toll, ranging from 25-50 million worldwide, killing 675,000 people in the U.S. alone. The high mortality rate among young adults, between the ages of 20 and 40, was a remarkable feature of the influenza pandemic.

· Although vaccination against influenza began in the 1930s, it was only until 1945 that it saw widespread availability among civilians in America. One of the lead researchers of this vaccine was Dr. Jonas Salk, who is best known for developing the polio vaccine in the 1950s.

· The U.S. still witnesses tens of thousands of deaths caused by influenza each year. Flu can affect anyone, but those at a higher risk are the aged (65+), little children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses. An infected person can pass it to someone at a high risk of severe illness, including babies younger than 6 months, who are too young to get a flu vaccine. To prevent this spread, the Advisory Committee of C.D.C. urges every individual to get vaccinated, including people in good health. Let’s celebrate National Influenza Vaccination Week as responsible citizens and continue the flu vaccination season, to protect as many people as possible.

Why Is Influenza Vaccination Important

· Minimizes Risk of Flu-Associated Hospitalization

Flu vaccinations reduce the risk of getting admitted to hospitals every year. In 2019 and 2020, vaccination drives prevented an estimated 105,000 hospitalizations.

· Prevents Respiratory Infections in Pregnant People

The vaccine protects pregnant women from contracting lung infections during and after their pregnancy. Studies have also shown that vaccination prevents the baby from getting sick for several months after birth.

· A Lifesaver for Children

Flu vaccination can significantly reduce the chances of a child dying from the flu.

National Influenza Vaccination Week Timeline

1933 - First Isolation of Influenza Virus

Scientists isolate Influenza A viruses, proving that flu is not caused by bacteria.

1960 - Annual Flu Vaccination Is Recommended

The U.S. Public Health Service recommends annual flu shots for people at high risk of contracting flu — people with chronic diseases, anyone above 65, and pregnant women.

2003 - First Nasal Spray Licensed

The first nasal spray flu vaccine gets authorized for public use.

2005 - Genomes Of Flu Virus Sequenced

The genomes of the virus from the 1918 pandemic are fully sequenced.

How To Observe National Influenza Vaccination Week

· Spread Awareness Through social media

Post a status on your social media platforms to let your folks know of the importance of flu vaccination. You can also share your personal story to inspire others and save lives.

· Volunteer At a Vaccination Drive

What could be a better tribute to vaccination week than volunteering at a vaccination drive? Help people register for slots, make fun placards to direct them over to vaccination centers or reach out to underprivileged people.

· Attend A Webinar on Vaccination Promotion

It is always nice to be conscious of matters as serious as the flu vaccination. C.D.C. usually hosts webinars to promote the vaccination week, and you can be a part of it.

Five Facts About Influenza Vaccination You Should Know

1. Side Effects

Influenza vaccines have mostly proved to be safe. Common side effects include muscle pain, tiredness, and mild fever among 5–10% of children.

2. Time To Recover

Flu patients with good immunity normally take about two weeks to recover, but some people might develop serious complications.

3. Contagious Before Symptoms Show

The flu is highly contagious even before visible symptoms appear: you must strictly avoid contact with anyone for up to five to seven days after you are diagnosed.

4. Beware Of Allergic Reactions

Apart from babies below six months old, the vaccine could be a hazard for people who have acute allergic reactions to it.

5. It Is a Spreader

Much like the COVID-19 virus, the flu virus can enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Closing Statement:

The flu vaccine can take up to two weeks to develop antibodies to fight the virus. Therefore, it’s wise to be cautious and avoid close contact during this period, to help stop the spread. It is possible to contract the virus even after receiving the vaccination, but the good thing is the vaccine reduces the risk of getting sick by 40-60%. If you are pregnant, you can get your shot in any trimester. However, doctors sometimes advise pregnant women to get the vaccine in their third trimester, so the baby is safe after birth. Please don’t waste time and get your flu shot and be safe and as well for the safety of others.

Source of Information: Various Google Searches

Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!