Goodlife Pharmacy currently has 35 store outlets throughout Kenya. We are providing this year’s Influenza vaccine in select stores during this year’s high flu season which is in June. The vaccine will be administered by a professional nurse. Being the season for flu, we felt the need to offer the vaccine as flu can be very disruptive for children, the elderly and those with chronic conditions. A flu vaccine from Goodlife could prevent your loved one getting infection leading to serious complications. Here is more information about the virus for your information.
What is flu (influenza)?
Influenza popularly known as flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infects the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. People who have the flu often experience fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
The flu and the common cold are both respiratory diseases but are caused by different viruses. Due to the similarity of the symptoms it can be difficult to distinguish between the two diseases based on symptoms alone. Generally, the flu is worse than the common cold
Young children, the elderly and people with certain health conditions, are at a higher risk of developing serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year with a flu shot.
What is the flu shot?
The flu shot is a vaccine that helps protect against infection by influenza viruses. Most vaccinations with the flu shot provide moderate to high protection again flu infections. It is either provided as the inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) or the recombinant Influenza vaccine (RIV)
In Kenya, the flu vaccine that is administered is the trivalent flu vaccine which offers protection from three flu viruses namely Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza A (H3N2) and Influenza B.
Who should get a flu shot?
The WHO recommends annual vaccination of all people above six months of age, especially individuals at high risk who include children under 5 years, health workers, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant mothers and people over 50 years of age.
In general, it is recommended that anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu should be vaccinated.
What are the common side effects of the flu shot?
The flu shot is a medical product and as such it could cause side effects, though these are normally mild and self resolve within a few days. The common side effects of the flu vaccine include:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
- Fever (low grade), Aches, and Nausea
If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days. Almost all people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it.
