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Date Published: 31/10/2024

Flu season arrives in Spain: when should you get vaccinated?

With the cold and rain comes the peak season for flu and other respiratory viruses in Spain

The cold and rain of autumn are here, and with them comes the peak season for flu and other respiratory viruses in Spain. It's time to think about protecting ourselves and our loved ones from the misery of flu and Covid season.

We've learned a lot from the pandemic about the importance of preventing the transmission of respiratory infections through tools like vaccines. Every year, new immunisations are developed to protect us against the most common strains of influenza.

So, when is the best time to get vaccinated?

The development of flu vaccines is a complex process that begins many months before the flu season. Scientists study the most common strains of influenza doing the rounds and create serums that can protect us against them.

Seasonal vaccines protect against two types of flu viruses: influenza virus A and influenza virus B. They can also be trivalent (two influenza A and one influenza virus B) or quadrivalent (two A and two B).

But when should we get vaccinated?

The answer is: about two weeks before the flu season starts. This allows our bodies to develop antibodies and gives us maximum protection against the flu. So, if we want to be protected for the entire flu season, which can last until February or March, the optimal time to get the jab is between late October and early November.

In other words, right now!

It’s important to remember that right after we get the jab, we’re still vulnerable, so for maximum prevention we should take extreme hygiene measures, avoid touching our nose or mouth whenever possible and avoid crowds, especially during times when there are active outbreaks of respiratory diseases.

Why do you have to get vaccinated every year?

We know that the immunity conferred by the vaccine decreases over time, and the circulating strains of influenza viruses are constantly changing. That's why annual vaccination against flu is recommended, especially for the most vulnerable people or those with respiratory risk factors.

The vaccine is safe and effective

Because it’s made from inactivated viruses, the flu jab can cause some generally mild side effects, but you can’t actually get influenza from the vaccination.

Some possible adverse reactions include:

Redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site.
Mild fever.
Generalised aches and pains.

Who should get vaccinated?

The vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months of age, except for those who suffer from certain acute illnesses or immunosuppressed people. If you have certain respiratory diseases that put you at greater risk of acute infections, you should definitely get vaccinated.

On the other hand, those who are allergic to eggs should take special precautions and inform their healthcare professional (some of the vaccines may contain egg proteins), as should those who have previously had complications from other vaccines, allergic reactions to the flu virus or people with Guillain-Barré syndrome.

The power of herd immunity

Again, as we saw at the height of the pandemic, when a high percentage of the population is vaccinated, we achieve what's called "herd immunity". This means that the virus can't spread easily, and we're all protected.

So, getting vaccinated is not just about protecting ourselves; it's also an act of solidarity towards those around us.

Also of interest: Flu and Covid vaccinations now available in Murcia for over 60s

Image: Pixabay

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