Question to general practitioner Maarten: When will there be a flu epidemic in Thailand?
Maarten Vasbinder lives in Isaan. His profession is general practitioner, a profession that he mainly practiced in Spain. On Thailandblog he answers questions from readers who live in Thailand and writes about medical facts.
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Dear Martin,
I used to get vaccinated against the flu in October-November. Influenza epidemics in Belgium and the Netherlands usually occur between December and January. A vaccine offers protection from 10 days after the injection, with a peak of protective antibodies after 4 to 6 weeks and then a halving in 6 months.
What about people staying in Thailand from October to March? To those who live permanently in Thailand? Are there periods of flu epidemics in Thailand? When is the best time to get vaccinated in Thailand?
Regards,
Walter
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Dear W,
The flu season in Thailand is generally between July and October, coinciding with the rainy season.
Enthusiasts can get vaccinated in June.
Sincerely,
Dr. Maarten