Influenza outbreaks are being recorded all over Brazil and more of them are from A new strain of the H3N2 influenza virus (influenza A)..
a The new influenza, influenza A H3N2, has already caused deaths in at least 6 states, including Pernambuco.. At least 10 Brazilian states have reported influenza outbreaks, and many of the cases are influenza A or H3N2.
Because of this increase in the number of cases, many people are looking for the influenza vaccine, but there are some doubts about its application and efficacy.
Does the flu vaccine work against H3N2 flu?
a The new influenza, influenza A strain H3N2, it is not included in the composition of current influenza immunomodulators. Thus, the influenza vaccine is still not protected against H3N2.
However, the Experts recommend getting a flu shot Just like this. “The vaccine protects against other strains. It is very important that people who participate in the priority groups who have not had influenza try this influenza vaccine,” says Monica Levy, director of the Brazilian Society of Immunization.
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Search for flu vaccine increases due to H3N2
Emergency care units are overcrowded in many cities and some health centers are already short of a flu shot. The surge in cases has sparked a race for a vaccine.
In private vaccination clinics in Belem, for example, the demand for an immunizing agent has grown by 100%. In the metropolitan area, the municipalities of Ananindewa and Benifides are already out of stock.
In São Paulo, the Butantan Institute will deliver a batch of one million doses of influenza vaccine to the city council.
The introduction begins Friday (24) and is aimed at pregnant and breastfeeding women, children aged six months to five years and people over 70 who have not yet been immunized this year.
In Fortaleza, there is a mall that applies the vaccine for free.
Can you get a flu shot when you have the flu?
The flu vaccine is not prescribed for people who have moderate or severe symptoms of illness. In other words, high fever, severe intestinal disturbances, muscle aches etc. are signs that the vaccination should be postponed for a few days.
“In fact, we ask anyone with moderate or severe symptoms of a possible infection to wait a while before receiving the flu shot or any other vaccine,” says pediatrician Juarez Cunha, president of the Brazilian Society of Immunization (Sbim).
Why don’t you get a flu shot when you have the flu?
This indication is not related to the safety or efficacy of the influenza immunizing agent, these are guaranteed. The problem is that applying the vaccine to a sick person makes it difficult for the doctor.
It is not known whether the development of the disease is related to a reaction to the vaccine or an exacerbation of an infection that the patient already had before the vaccination.
Also because, in some cases, the vaccine causes some mild symptoms, such as a low-grade fever and pain at the application site.
In the case of a person with influenza (or any other infection), these symptoms can be confused with a recurrence or exacerbation of the disease.
Then the health professional does not know whether to enter a particular treatment or just wait until the signs pass.
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