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Influenza (Flu) season may vary each year. According to the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations Malaysia president Dr Shanmuganathan, the flu season peaks in May to July and November to January. With that in mind, it is recommended that Malaysian netizens are to be vaccinated against the flu starting from Mid September to October as it takes at least 2 weeks to build your immunity after getting the flu shot.
According to our Health Ministry, there has been a sharp decline in the reported influenza cases in 2023 compared to previous years. However, he still urges everyone to practice the necessary measures against it as once infected, it can be quite serious.
In the battle against the influenza virus, there are generally two primary modes of protection: the flu vaccine as well as natural immunity acquired from a previous infection. Each approach has its own set of advantages and considerations. In this article, let us delve into the differences between the two so you will be able to make an informed decision about how to safeguard yourself and your community from the flu.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can affect people of all ages and can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Symptoms that may indicate the flu are:
Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can also occur, especially in children.
It is worth noting that influenza is highly contagious and primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face, particularly the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Flu Vaccine |
Natural Immunity |
|
Mode of protection |
Prevention: The flu vaccine is a potent preventive tool. It contains weakened or inactive components of the influenza virus or viral proteins, stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies without actually causing the disease. |
Immunity through Infection: Natural immunity develops when you contract the influenza virus, and your immune system successfully combats it. After recovery, your body may produce antibodies against the specific virus strain you encountered. |
Strain Specificity |
Each year, the flu vaccine is meticulously crafted to target particular strains of the influenza virus anticipated to be prevalent during that flu season. This specificity enables protection against the strains included in the vaccine and is also the reason why annual flu vaccinations are encouraged, especially amongst those who are at higher risk (children, pregnant mothers, elderly, immunocompromised patients). |
Natural immunity is thought to be variable as it can vary from person to person, depending on the strain of the virus they were exposed to. It may not offer protection against different influenza strains. Besides, different individuals may also have different strengths of immunity, hence some may suffer even more serious complications from the flu than others. |
Severity of symptoms if infected |
Individuals who are infected with the flu virus typically experience reduced severity, even if they contract the flu post-vaccination. The illness's severity is often diminished, and the risk of complications is lowered. Besides, the vaccine may also decrease the likelihood of hospitalization and flu-related fatalities. |
Acquiring natural immunity involves experiencing the actual illness, which can be unpleasant and sometimes severe for some. Influenza can also lead to complications, hospitalization, or even death, particularly in high-risk individuals if not managed well. |
Herd immunity |
With widespread vaccination, herd immunity can develop, shielding individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to allergies or certain medical conditions. |
Unlike vaccination, natural immunity does not contribute to herd immunity. It does not protect those who cannot be vaccinated. |
Yes. The annual flu shot only offers protection against the flu virus for up to 6 months. Additionally, we also learnt that flu strains differ every year so the vaccination you got last year may not be as effective to combat this year’s influenza strain.
While natural immunity can provide some level of protection, it carries the risk of enduring the full-blown flu and may not guard against all strains of the virus. The flu vaccine, on the other hand, offers a safer and more reliable means of protection. It is especially imperative for high-risk individuals and plays a crucial role in community-wide defense against the flu. In general, it is recommended that everyone aged six months and older receive an annual flu vaccine, with exceptions for those with specific medical contraindications. Making an informed choice between the flu vaccine and natural immunity can help you stay healthier and contribute to the well-being of your community during flu season.
This article is written by Janelle Leong, Bpharm(Hons) (DOC2US),
reviewed by Dr. Lee Siew Ling, MD (DOC2US).
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