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There has
been plenty of debate about the necessity of vaccinations, with some arguing
that vaccinations weaken the body’s immunity system and inborn ability to protect
itself against viruses. Then there are those who question the effectiveness, as
viral strains often mutate and change, possibly rendering some vaccines to be
ineffective. Yet local doctors are suggesting that flu vaccines should be made
free in Singapore
to boost adult immunisation rates. Are flu vaccines really important?
Many of us
have caught the flu bug, and for most healthy adults, we ride it over
unscathed. However, there are many strains of influenza virus, some more
serious than others. While previously, the flu tends to make us feel sick for
up to two weeks, I have been hearing of increasing numbers of accounts
suffering from symptoms of the flu for three weeks to even a month or more.
Fevers, chills, body aches, sore throat, coughs and fatigue are among the
common symptoms, and they cause great discomfort, affecting productivity for a
prolonged period of time. Worst of all, flu is highly contagious.
Moreover,
the flu, or influenza can cause fatal complications to certain groups of
people, and these people would certainly benefit from annual vaccinations. They
include the elderly who are 65 years old and above, those with a chronic health
condition like asthma, diabetes or heart disease, those who have a weak immune
system, and those in the healthcare sector who interact with patients on a
regular basis.
Even those
who are healthy may not be spared. If you have the flu and continue to stress
yourself out with work and activities instead of resting, it can get fatal, as
in the case of a 38-year-old woman who almost died from a heart failuretriggered by the flu. She had to seek treatment for 6 months.
Additionally,
certain types of flu viruses can enter the heart muscle and cause infection, a
condition known as myocarditis. This will lead to complications like
heart failure, and heartbeat irregularities that lead to sudden death.
Pregnant
women and breast-feeding mothers are also encouraged to get the vaccination,
For pregnant women, changes in the heart, lungs and immune system make flu
symptoms more dangerous for both Mum and the fetus. It also increases the risk
of premature delivery. There are flu vaccines which are safe for pregnant women
and those in doubt may consult their obstetrician. In breastfeeding mothers,
the flu vaccine not only protects Mum, but the protective antibodies will get
passed on to the baby, protecting him or her until they are old enough to get
the vaccine themselves.
According
to the World Health Organisation, seasonal flu outbreaks result in about three
to five million cases of severe illness and about 250,000 to 500,000
deaths annually. In Singapore,
annual influenza-related deaths occur in about 15 out of 100,000 people. It
warrants concern indeed, and certainly, doctors are right to push for greater
awareness and even for important vaccinations to be made free of charge. In the
meantime, for those who can afford it, we should get our annual flu jab, which
is available at polyclinics at $25, and most GPs.
Sources:
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