Influenza vaccination warning issued for individuals with chronic diseases
Experts emphasized that vaccination of chronic patients in the risk group is of vital importance ahead of the upcoming flu season with the arrival of autumn.
Prof. Dr. Cüneyt Saltürk, a Chest Diseases Specialist at Medipol Acıbadem Regional Hospital, stated that individuals with chronic conditions such as COPD, heart and kidney failure, as well as those with suppressed immunity, must get the flu vaccine before the epidemic season begins.
Flu Season and Risk Group
With the arrival of autumn, it was reported that the flu season is approaching and the protection period has officially begun, especially for citizens over 65 and those with chronic conditions.
Common Misconceptions
It was stated that widespread beliefs in society such as 'the flu shot causes the flu' and 'I got vaccinated so I will never get the flu' do not reflect the truth, and such misconceptions can lead to avoiding the vaccine.
Content and Reliability of the Vaccine
Emphasizing that the flu vaccine is not a live vaccine and therefore cannot cause the flu or fever, it was conveyed that it can be administered safely and that only mild redness and increased warmth may be seen at the application site.
Protective Rate of the Vaccine
It was explained that the vaccine does not offer a hundred percent protection guarantee, but significantly reduces the likelihood of contracting the flu and forms a very important protective shield for people in the risk group.
Time to Renew the Vaccine
It was underlined that the flu vaccine, whose content is updated every year according to the changing structures of the viruses, must be repeated just before the epidemic season starts.
Additional Hygiene and Precautions
It was noted that the vaccine is not sufficient on its own in protection from the flu; mask usage, compliance with hand hygiene rules, and avoiding staying in enclosed and crowded environments for long periods are necessary.