FLU Vaccine?

Its December and School Holidays are here! Exams are over! Christmas and New Year are just round the corner.

Here in Singapore, we've certainly seen an increase in the number of travelers coming to Singapore. I'm sure many of you have read about the hotel space shortage.
In my practice as a General Practitioner, I have seen an increase in the number of travelers coming to Singapore, be it for holiday, business or even just transiting through for 1 or 2 days.

In addition, many residents of Singapore have also been traveling abroad. Some for business, some for leisure and interestingly enough, I have seen quite a few groups of people going for regional mission trips. So far I've come across church and school groups and these are mainly to the regional countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam etc.

Now why would I be seeing travelers?

For those of us who have gone on holidays or done any travel at all, you would understand the trouble and inconvenience of falling ill just before your trip or even during the trip. People usually see the doctor if they fall even mildly ill 1 to 2 weeks before their intended travel. They come to the doctor's clinic with the hope that they can recover quickly before the trip or to take some travel medication for standby.

With increasing health awareness, many are starting to realize the importance of prevention and the benefits of vaccinations before travel. I personally think that the scope of health awareness in Singapore has changed ever since we were hit with the SARS. The number of people taking the Flu vaccination has increased and this is what I would like to discuss today.

What is the FLU?

The Flu refers to an infection of the respiratory tract by the Influenza virus which is highly contagious. The symptoms include body aches, fever, lethargy, cough, running nose and sore throat. Generally the symptoms are much more severe than that of the common cold.

What is the Flu Vaccine?

Basically the Flu vaccine contains the inactivated(dead) form of the virus. It is given as an injection usually into the arm and it takes about 14 days for it to confer protection. Now it is important to note that the vaccination will protect you against the influenza virus and not the common cold. That means you can still come down with the usual cough, cold and running nose.

There are a few different brands available for the flu vaccine. The ones I have come across are, Fluarix, Fluvax, Vaxigrip.

So why should I take the vaccination if I can still come down with the common COLD?

Well, the influenza virus infection is more severe with possible hospitalization and it is potentially life threatening.

Do I need Vaccination?

The current recommendations for the Flu vaccination are:

• Travelers to overseas countries where the influenza virus is present
• The elderly
• Patients with chronic medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease, heart problems, diabetes etc.
• Residents and staff of nursing homes
• Medical personnel
• In general anyone who wishes to prevent influenza infection

Basically anyone above 6 months of age can take the flu vaccination, however, those allergic to eggs cannot take it.

How often do I need vaccination?

The viruses change and mutate from year to year and therefore the vaccine is constantly updated. You may have taken the jab and be protected against the active strains of the season, but once the strains change, you will be susceptible to infection again.

Are there any side effects?

With any vaccination, it is always possible to develop fever, but this is generally a low grade fever which can be treated by taking some paracetamol like panadol. Some others may develop muscle aches, usually over the injection site. I usually get this and doing push ups or pull ups are a bit painful for me for 1 to 2 days.

Well, that’s it for now. Feel free to ask me any questions or clarify anything which isn’t clear, or point out any mistakes to me.

Have a good day and in case I forget to wish you people…..

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!