Flu jab prevents flu, but not the number of sick people
Flu vaccination prevents flu virus infections but does not affect the total number of people with flu-like symptoms. This is the conclusion of a study conducted by RIVM, in collaboration with the Spaarne Gasthuis and the Streeklab Kennermerland, into flu-like symptoms among healthy people aged 60 and older living at home.
The study was conducted in two flu seasons between 2011 and 2013, among 2100 and 2500 participants respectively. Of the people with flu-like symptoms (6.9 and 10.3% of the total group in the following seasons), 18.9% (in a mild flu season) to 34.2% (in a prolonged flu season) actually had an infection with the flu virus.
The other 60 to 80% of flu-like symptoms were caused by other pathogens. This cannot be prevented with a flu vaccine. Flu vaccination was found to reduce flu virus infections in this group by 51 to 73%, depending on the season. The research was published this week in The Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Flu shot remains important
In the Netherlands, approximately 1.7 million people suffer from flu-like symptoms every year. The flu shot only protects against the flu virus and not against other viruses that cause these flu-like symptoms (such as severe muscle pain, chills, headache, high fever, sore throat and dry cough) or colds.
Nevertheless, it remains important for people with specific medical conditions and for people aged 60 and older to get the flu shot. Influenza virus increases the risk of serious health problems for them and the risk of an aggravation of an existing condition such as a lung or heart condition. We do not know this about the other pathogens that cause flu-like symptoms, which are being investigated further. It therefore remains important for people from the target group to get the annual flu jab and thus protect themselves against the consequences of the flu.
More information: www.rivm.nl/griepprik
Hi, Since my heart condition I was advised to get a flu shot every year,
did that for 6 years; then I read an article about the junk in the vaccines;
I was also snotty and tired all winter. Haven't had a flu shot in the last 2 years
and get through the winter well, even without a cold; eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, but that
I did before that too. No more flu shot for me.
Regards, Ing
The first sentence cannot be correct.
“Influenza vaccination prevents flu virus infections but does not affect the total number of people with flu-like symptoms.”
If, as stated, flu vaccination prevents flu infections, but other flu-like symptoms do not, then the total number of people with flu-like symptoms should decrease somewhat.
I've never had a flu shot and I've never been sick.
If you do decide to get a flu shot.
I would first follow the link below and read the information about the flu shot.
Because this information is usually withheld.
http://www.wanttoknow.nl/?s=griepprik
Good health everyone.
Hans