Why did I hold the flu even after taking the vaccine?
Flu vaccine is our strongest defense, but it does not always guarantee complete security. Why doctors still recommend it every year.
Every year, the flu season brings fever, sore throat, cough, body pain and days of feeling dry. For this reason, health experts strongly recommend taking an annual flu vaccine. But many people are surprised when they fall ill even after shooting their flu. This leads to a general question: If the vaccine is meant to protect us, then why do people still get flu? The answer is not simple – because the flu virus is unexpected, our immune reactions vary, and time cases.
Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Director of Internal Medicine and General Medicine, Dr. Preeti Chhabriya says:
“Flu vaccine is an important way to prevent the risk of serious illness. Although it will not be able to stop all cases of influenza, it reduces the risk of complications and hospitalization. People who receive flu despite vaccination can be treated at home or based on an outpatient.
Dr. Chhabriya says:
“But influenza is not the only virus that causes respiratory disease. Respiratory synchronous virus (RSV), rhinovirus, and paranfluenza are other viruses that spread extensively, especially during the outbreak of epidemic. Masking, masting, masting, masking, and ventilations are still important in the crowded areas.”
Flu virus changes
The flu is unlike most viruses; It changes its form every year. This process called mutation makes the virus a moving goal. Scientists around the world studied trends and predicted which strains are likely to spread. The vaccines are then prepared against those strains.
If the virus changes after the vaccine, the match is not correct. In such cases, the vaccine cannot completely stop the flu, but it still reduces the risk and makes the disease less severe.
Our bodies react differently
Everyone’s immune system does not react to the vaccine in the same way. Healthy young adults usually develop strong security, but older people, children, and chronic diseases such as diabetes or lung problems cannot respond firmly.
This does not mean that the vaccine is useless. For these weak groups, even partial safety can prevent hospitalization or living complications.
Time plays a role
The flu shot does not work immediately. It takes about two weeks for the body to make enough antibodies to fight infection. If one comes in contact with the flu before or after vaccination, they can still get sick.
Conservation also decreases over time. If you vaccinate very quickly in the season, your immune may be slightly spoiled to the end. This is why doctors suggest getting shots just before the start of the flu season.
Not every disease is flu
Many people make mistakes of other infections for flu. Viruses such as mangoes, RSVs, or even some coronwirus can cause similar symptoms such as fever, cough and fatigue.
Dr. Narnder Singla, Chief Advisor In Internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital In Delhi tells The flu shot is designed to protect the flu from the most common strains of the flu, but it is not 100% effective. There are many reasons that a person can still get sick despite vaccination.
First, the vaccine takes about two weeks to be effective. If a person comes in contact with the flu virus before receiving the vaccine or shortly after receiving the vaccine, they can still get sick. Second, flu viruses are constantly being mutated, meaning that the vaccine cannot protect against specific stress due to infection, which reduces its effectiveness.
Additionally, not all flu -such symptoms are caused by influenza. Other viruses, such as RSV, Rhinovirus, or Koronvirus, can produce similar symptoms. Finally, individual immune reactions may be different -varying; Older adults and older people cannot develop enough antibodies even after vaccination.
The vaccine still makes the flu safe
Even if you contrast the flu after vaccination, the disease is usually fierce and small. Studies show that vaccinated individuals need to develop serious complications or hospitalize. For weak groups, such as children, elderly and older conditions, this difference can be a life saving.
Dr. Sujit Paul, CEO of Group of Zota Healthcare Limited, States:
“The flu shot cannot prevent every infection due to the continuous changes of the virus, but it provides significant protection. Even if you catch the flu after vaccination, the symptoms are fierce, recovery is sharp, and it helps protect weak groups, including children, elderly and chronic diseases.”
Think of a flu shot like a seatbelt. Although it cannot prevent every accident, it reduces the risk of severe injury. This is why health experts recommend getting flu vaccine every year.
