The arrival of fall and winter brings with it flu season, a time when many people, especially the most vulnerable and the elderly, wonder why it is necessary to get vaccinated with a different formula every year. In a recent appearance on Carlos Moreno’s ‘El Pulpo’ program Poniendo las Calles, Dr. Darío Fernández, the program’s primary doctor, answered this disturbing question.
Dr. Fernández began his explanation with a forceful statement: “The flu virus is very evil and very clever.” This comment highlights the changing and adaptive nature of the influenza virus, which varies each year in its composition and proteins.
This constant mutation is the main reason why a new vaccine is needed each season. “It mutates and, therefore, a specific vaccine must be prepared every year,” highlighted the doctor, emphasizing the need to always be one step ahead of this virus.
The elderly receive the flu vaccine, on October 9, 2024, in Malaga, Andalusia
The flu is a virus that has the ability to alter its genetic structure, allowing it to evade the immune responses generated by vaccines from previous years. This means that a person’s immune system, which has been protected by last year’s vaccine, may not recognize the new virus.
A different vaccine
Therefore, it is essential to have an updated vaccine that can address the new strains of the virus. In addition, Dr. Fernández explained that scientists use information about how the flu has behaved in the southern hemisphere during its winter season to anticipate which strains will be most prevalent in the northern hemisphere.
“As we know in the southern hemisphere how the virus has behaved, we are waiting with a new vaccine every year,” he revealed. This approach allows researchers and health professionals to prepare a vaccine that has a higher chance of being effective against the strains that will be in circulation.
The importance of annual vaccination lies not only in the variability of the virus, but also in the protection of public health. The flu can be especially dangerous for certain groups, such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with preexisting health conditions.
A woman is vaccinated on the opening day of the Feiral de Vigo Institute
By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself, but you also contribute to herd immunity, reducing the spread of the virus and protecting those who cannot receive the vaccine. Dr. Fernández also pointed out that flu vaccines are subject to rigorous research and development processes to guarantee their effectiveness and safety.
Why you should get vaccinated
In addition, the doctor recalled that, although the vaccine does not provide 100% protection, it significantly reduces the risk of developing the disease and its complications. “Vaccines are our best defense against the flu,” he emphasized, adding that, even in cases where effectiveness may not be perfect, vaccination remains essential to decrease the severity of the disease and prevent hospitalizations.
Finally, Dr. Fernández called for action, urging the population not to underestimate the importance of annual vaccination. “It is essential to get vaccinated every year, especially for those who are in risk groups,” he concluded. With a focus on public health and the protection of the most vulnerable people, its message is clear: vaccination is a key tool in the fight against flu and its effects.
Why You Need to Get Vaccinated Against the Flu Every Year
As the leaves start to turn and the chill creeps in, it’s that dreaded, yet familiar time of year: flu season! Just when you thought it was safe to go outside, the flu virus shows up like a bad penny—always turning up when you least expect it. But here’s the kicker: every year we’re told to roll up our sleeves and get a different, ‘new and improved’ vaccine. Is it a marketing ploy? Or perhaps a cunning conspiracy by the vaccine industry? Fear not, dear reader! Dr. Darío Fernández has an answer to quell your skepticism, as revealed in a recent episode of Carlos Moreno’s show, ‘El Pulpo’.
Dr. Fernández didn’t mince words when he described the flu virus as “very evil and very clever.” Clearly, he’s not just a doctor—he’s a part-time villain’s hype man! The reason we’re stuck in this yearly vaccination cycle is due to the ever-changing nature of the flu virus itself. It’s like the fashion world, making constant shifts to stay ahead—one year it’s skinny jeans; the next, it’s the flu virus reinventing itself to escape our immune systems.
The Sneaky Nature of the Flu Virus
Thanks to its fancy ability to mutate, last year’s vaccine might as well be your embarrassing MySpace profile: outdated and no longer relevant. According to Dr. Fernández, the flu virus can evade the immune responses generated by previous vaccines, meaning your body is basically seeing a new enemy every fall. So what do we do? Adapt, adapt, adapt! We need a vaccine updated with each season’s top flu strain, ready to beef up our defenses against these viral interlopers.
But how do scientists pick which flavor of flu to target? Well, much like how we watch reality TV to predict the next celebrity scandal, scientists study viral trends in the southern hemisphere during their winter season. Apparently, the flu virus has no chill, and your best bet at predicting its next move is to see how it’s behaved across the equator. This coupled analysis helps to create a vaccine that stands a fighting chance against the strains gearing up for a takeover up north.
The Importance of Getting Vaccinated
Annual vaccination is not just about keeping your own immune system on its toes; it’s also about protecting public health. The flu has a nasty habit of going after vulnerable groups—those who might already be juggling existing health conditions, the elderly, young kids, and pregnant women become prime targets for this nasty bug. This is why by getting vaccinated, you’re not just protecting your own behind; you’re participating in a larger mission to bolster herd immunity. Think of it as being part of a superhero team: together, we stand stronger against the forces of the flu!
Dr. Fernández has reassured us that flu vaccines are backed by rigorous research and development. Why? Because no one wants to end their flu battle half-cocked! While the vaccine doesn’t promise you a lifetime of comfort, it significantly lowers the risk of complications. It’s like buying insurance—aren’t you glad you have it when things go sideways?
Get Your Shot!
In closing, Dr. Fernández urges everyone to take action. Forget “I’ll get vaccinated next year” and make this year the year you tackle that flu shot! “It is essential to get vaccinated every year, especially for those who are in risk groups,” he said, wrapping up his masterclass in flu prevention. Remember, folks: vaccination isn’t just an individual choice; it’s a social responsibility! So let’s put on our big boy or girl pants, roll up those sleeves, and take one step closer to a flu-free fall! After all, wouldn’t you prefer spending your winter cozied up on the sofa, not wheezing your way through a box of tissues?
