Influenza vaccination time

Written by Li Fang Xiao
Internal Medicine
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Influenza vaccines are primarily used to prevent epidemic influenza. Currently, there are three types of influenza vaccines in our country: Type A, Type B, and Type C. The best time to vaccinate for influenza is in September and October, because epidemic influenza often outbreaks in winter and spring. Therefore, getting vaccinated during these months can greatly prevent the transmission of epidemic influenza. The main groups recommended for influenza vaccination include preschool children and the elderly or frail, such as those with chronic diseases. Those with chronic conditions are at high risk of exacerbating their diseases after contracting epidemic influenza. These groups are particularly suitable for influenza vaccination. During the influenza vaccination period and before getting vaccinated, it is important to ensure that one is not having a cold, including symptoms like fever, to proceed with the vaccination.

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How long does influenza IgM positive last?

Influenza IgM actually refers to a globulin released by our immune system after influenza enters our body and is recognized by the immune system. This globulin encapsulates or localizes the virus, aiding the phagocytic cells in our body to kill it. This is called IgM. IgM indicates the presence of the influenza virus and a recent invasion into the human body. It is a marker in body fluids and generally persists for about 14-20 days after infection. It does not provide long-term protection to our body and is merely a marker for the acute phase, disappearing once the situation stabilizes.

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Does the flu cause vomiting?

Influenza refers to a group of diseases characterized by cough, sore throat, and fever following upper respiratory tract infection by influenza virus. However, influenza has its peculiarities. Apart from respiratory symptoms, influenza can also present with nausea, vomiting, and even abdominal pain and diarrhea. Thus, it is entirely possible for influenza patients to experience vomiting. However, due to some doctors' lack of understanding of influenza, the vomiting caused by influenza is often mistaken for acute gastroenteritis or treated as acute gastritis. This can lead to inappropriate medication use, resulting in prolonged illness. Therefore, if a patient has fever, nausea, vomiting, or sore throat, it is crucial to promptly consider the possibility of influenza to avoid delaying the diagnosis and treatment.

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What are the symptoms of flu?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. What are the symptoms after contracting the flu? Typically, the onset of influenza is quite sudden, and symptoms such as chills, high fever, headache, dizziness, body aches, and fatigue can appear quickly. Generally, the symptoms in the nasopharyngeal area are relatively mild and prolonged, and may include sore throat, runny nose, tearing, coughing, etc. After contracting the flu, it is important to actively cooperate with medical treatment and also to ensure isolation to prevent infecting others.

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Can the flu cause diarrhea?

Influenza can cause diarrhea, but this is a minority occurrence. Influenza is a disease that appears after the respiratory system of a human body gets infected with the influenza virus. After infecting the human body, influenza primarily manifests symptoms like coughing, sore throat, and fever. However, some patients may develop gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting after being infected with influenza. This situation is related to viral infection, not the commonly thought stomach flu or food poisoning. Some patients may also experience joint pain and a decrease in appetite. If a patient experiences diarrhea accompanied by respiratory infection symptoms and has tested positive for influenza antibodies, it is necessary to promptly use antiviral drugs for influenza. However, many doctors who do not have such experience in diagnosing influenza might mistake the nausea and diarrhea caused by influenza for gastroenteritis, leading to a delay in proper treatment. Therefore, if one has respiratory symptoms accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, the possibility of influenza should be considered.

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How many days will the flu get better?

Influenza refers to a series of diseases characterized mainly by sore throat, cough, and fever, which occur after the respiratory tract of humans is infected by the influenza virus. We call it influenza, or epidemic flu, which is generally caused by a viral infection and is a self-limiting disease. Usually, it can naturally improve within 7-10 days. Of course, this refers to people with normal immunity, such as young people or those who generally have good physical health. However, elderly and children might experience a prolonged illness, which could extend to 10-15 days, and may even lead to related complications due to influenza, such as influenza meningitis, influenza pneumonia, or even influenza myocarditis. Therefore, special attention should be given to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and pregnant women.