Things Everyone Should Know About Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine
Last updated on January 19th, 2025 at 02:35 pm
4 strain Quadrivalent Flu vaccines are available for the first time this season in Nepal.
Call us at 01-5400400 / 98633936960 to book an appointment for Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine in Nepal at Clinic One.
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What is Flu?
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the throat, nose, and sometimes the lungs. It may cause mild to severe illness like pneumonia, and at times can lead to death.
Yearly Status of Flu
The winter is here and so is the Flu season.
An estimated 1 billion people worldwide are infected by seasonal influenza every year and an estimated 290,000 – 650,000 deaths occur due to flu annually, around the globe.
In Nepal, around 3016 people were affected by the influenza virus in 2021.
What is Quadrivalent Influenza (Flu) Vaccine?
A quadrivalent flu vaccine protects against four different influenza viruses, including two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.
Why was the Quadrivalent Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Developed?
For years, flu vaccines were trivalent designed to protect against three different flu virus strains: two strains of Influenza A virus (i.e. H1N1 virus, H3N2) virus, and one influenza B virus.
However, two different lineages of Influenza B viruses circulate during most seasons.
Adding a B virus from the second lineage adds broader protection against circulating flu viruses.
Thus, the Quadrivalent Influenza vaccine provides protection against most influenza viruses circulating during flu season.
Who can get a Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine?
Current CDC guidelines recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone older than 6 months of age, including pregnant women.
But the doses of vaccination are different for people of different ages.
What are the things to consider before getting a Flu Shot?
Some people should consult with their healthcare provider before getting a flu shot.
Talk to your healthcare provider before getting Flu Vaccine if you have the following conditions. He or she will help you decide whether the vaccination is right for you.
- If you are currently sick or unwell
- Children under the age of 6 months
- If you are allergic to ingredients present in the vaccine
- People with Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Who is at Most Risk of Flu?
For most people, influenza (flu) resolves on its own.
It doesn’t show any symptoms or mild symptoms like fever, vomiting, fatigue, eye pain, etc. But sometimes, flu and its complications can be dangerous and can even lead to death bed.
People at higher risk of developing influenza (flu) complications include:
- Young children under 5 years of age, and especially those under 6 months
- Adults older than 65 years of age
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term healthcare facilities
- Pregnant women and women up to a half month after delivery
- People with a weakened immune system
- People who have chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, asthma, kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes
- Someone who is very fat (obese), (BMI) of 40 or higher
How Often Should You Get Vaccinated?
This year, Dengue and Influenza virus are circulating together. Study shows that co-infection of Dengue and Influenza exacerbates pneumonia in the infected individuals.
Thus, it is necessary to take extra precautions for Flu.
WHO (World Health Organization) recommends everyone above 6 months of age get a Flu shot every year to prevent themselves and their loved ones from Flu.
Where can I get a Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine in Nepal?
You can get vaccinated in any registered clinic, health post, or hospital but be aware of quackery.
For e.g. In Clinic One many types of vaccination are provided including influenza vaccines in Nepal. There is also a facility for home vaccination for those who are unable to visit the clinic.
Let’s take a closer look at Clinic One’s Home Vaccination Preparation!
Conclusion
Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system and can even lead you to death bed.
A shot of the influenza vaccine annually can prevent the consequences of such a deadly disease.
So you must get vaccinated because “Health is Wealth” and “Prevention is better than Cure.”
