Who Needs to Be Extra Cautious During Flu Season?

During the flu season, it's essential to understand who may be at higher risk of complications from influenza. While the flu can affect anyone, certain individuals need to take extra precautions to protect their health.

In this blog, we'll explore the groups of people who are particularly vulnerable during flu season and discuss why they need to be extra cautious. By raising awareness and providing guidance, we aim to empower individuals to take proactive steps to safeguard their well-being and minimise the spread of the flu within our communities.

Who is at Most Risk From the Flu?

Flu doesn't discriminate, but some individuals are more vulnerable to its severe consequences. The elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu. This vulnerable group should take flu prevention measures, including getting vaccinated against the flu, seriously.

How Do Flu Vaccines Work?

Flu vaccines are a crucial line of defence against the seasonal influenza virus. Getting vaccinated is not just an individual choice; it's a responsibility we bear towards our communities, protecting ourselves and others.

Timely Treatment of Flu

Flu vaccines work by stimulating the body's immune system to produce antibodies against specific strains of the influenza virus. These vaccines contain either weakened or inactivated forms of the virus, or viral proteins, that cannot cause illness but can trigger an immune response. When a person receives a flu vaccine, their immune system recognises these viral components as foreign invaders and produces antibodies to fight them off.

These antibodies remain in the body and provide protection against future infections with the same strains of the flu virus. If the vaccinated individual is exposed to the flu virus later on, their immune system can quickly recognise and neutralise the virus, preventing infection or reducing the severity of symptoms.

It's important to note that flu vaccines need to be updated annually to protect against the most prevalent strains of the virus circulating each flu season. This is because the influenza virus can mutate and evolve over time, leading to the emergence of new strains that may not be covered by previous vaccines.

Do Pregnant Women Need to Get Vaccinated Against the Flu?

Pregnant women, in particular, should be extra cautious during flu season. Changes in the immune, heart, and lung functions during pregnancy make expecting mothers more susceptible to severe illness from flu viruses. The flu vaccine is considered safe during pregnancy and is recommended to safeguard both the mother and the developing baby.

Do Kids & the Elderly Need to Get Vaccinated Against the Flu?

Parents often witness the rapid spread of infections in schools and daycare centres. Children, with their developing immune systems, are more prone to catching the flu. Timely vaccination and promoting good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, can go a long way in protecting the little ones from the flu.

In the elderly population, the ageing process affects the immune system's ability to respond effectively to infections. Seniors, aged 65 and older, are at an increased risk of severe flu-related complications. A flu vaccine tailored to their needs can significantly reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalisations and other severe outcomes.

Book Your Flu Vaccination with Pearl Chemist Group

Ensure your well-being with our convenient flu vaccination service in Morden, Streatham, Tolworth, Tooting, and Wandsworth. Visit your nearest Pearl Chemist Group branch to get yoru flu jab. We prioritise your health and encourage you to take this proactive step to safeguard not just yourself but also your community.

Book an appointment to prioritise your health and safeguard your community.