Vaccination is one of the best preventive measures against various infectious diseases, including influenza and pneumonia. Both of these diseases can affect anyone, but are more risky for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also help reduce the spread of disease in your community.
Influenza and pneumonia are often considered trivial because they have symptoms similar to the common flu. However, if not treated properly, both can cause serious complications, even fatal. Therefore, vaccination is a preventive measure that is highly recommended by health experts to reduce the risk of infection and its impact on body health.
Getting to Know Influenza and Pneumonia
Influenza is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory tract and can spread quickly through droplets of saliva from coughing or sneezing. This disease causes fever, coughing, muscle pain, fatigue, and complications such as pneumonia or inflammation of other organs.
Meanwhile, pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. This disease causes inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs, which then fill with fluid or pus, resulting in shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up phlegm, and high fever. Pneumonia can be fatal, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and people with chronic diseases.
Reasons Why Influenza and Pneumonia Vaccination is Important
1. Reduces the risk of infection and complications
The influenza vaccine is given annually to provide protection against the ever-mutating strains of the virus. Vaccination helps the body build a stronger immune system against the virus, reducing the risk of infection and serious complications such as pneumonia.
Meanwhile, the pneumonia vaccine, especially the pneumococcal vaccine type—can protect the body from infection by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae , which is the main cause of severe pneumonia. This vaccine can also prevent meningitis and blood infections caused by the bacteria.
2. Protecting Vulnerable Groups
Older adults, infants, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease are at higher risk for complications from influenza and pneumonia. Getting vaccinated can minimize the risk of hospitalization and the severity of the disease.
In addition, vaccination also provides protection for individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants who are too young to receive vaccines or those who have allergies to vaccine components.
3. Reducing the Burden on the Health System
Every year, many patients are hospitalized due to complications of influenza and pneumonia. With increased vaccination coverage, the number of cases of these diseases can be reduced, thereby reducing the burden on health facilities and medical personnel, especially during the flu season or when a pandemic occurs.
4. Vaccination is Safe and Effective
Flu and pneumonia vaccines have undergone extensive clinical trials to ensure their safety. Vaccine side effects are usually mild, such as soreness at the injection site or a mild fever, and usually resolve within a few days. The benefits of long-term protection far outweigh the risks of minimal side effects.
5. Prevent the spread of disease
The influenza virus is very easily spread in crowded places, such as schools, offices, or public transportation. With vaccination, the spread of the virus can be controlled, thereby reducing the possibility of an outbreak or spike in cases of this infectious disease.
When Should You Get Vaccinated?
The influenza vaccine is recommended to be given every year, especially before the rainy season or flu season arrives. While the pneumonia vaccine is usually given once every few years, depending on the type of vaccine used and the individual's health condition. Consult your doctor to find out the vaccination schedule that best suits your needs.
Protect Yourself with Vaccination
Getting vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia is not only a personal protection measure, but also a form of concern for public health in general. With vaccination, you can reduce the risk of contracting dangerous respiratory diseases, prevent serious complications, and help maintain optimal immune system. Don't delay, schedule your vaccination immediately to protect the health of yourself and those around you!
Article written by dr. Jubilette Windy, M.Ked (Pulmonary), Sp.P (Pulmonary & Respiratory Specialist, EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital).