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A flu can make you feel weak, lethargic and miserable for days – sometimes even weeks. For some, a flu may lead to serious health complications.
Dr Wu Hang, general practitioner at Parkway Shenton, Bukit Panjang Plaza clinic, explains the importance of flu shots and why you need one.
In Singapore, the following groups of people are at high risk of developing complications from an influenza infection:
Unless advised otherwise by your doctor, it is recommended to get a flu vaccination even if you are healthy, especially if you are in constant contact with people who are in the high risk group (refer to the list above).
In Singapore, the flu season generally occurs between December and February. Another peak season is from May to July. It is therefore recommended to get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before the flu season starts, as that is the amount of time it would take for the flu vaccination to take full effect.
A yearly vaccination is recommended to boost your protection against influenza. This is because the flu viruses are constantly evolving, and your body's immunity to flu viruses may decline over time.
For most people, the flu vaccination will reduce the risk of contracting the flu illness by between 40 – 60%. However, do note that flu vaccine does not give protection against the bird flu (H5N1) or the H7N9 virus. There are presently no vaccines for these virus strains.
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