Anti-influenza vaccine is a community shield...Immune formation 2 weeks after inoculation
Nov 04, 2025
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The most effective way to prevent influenza is by far vaccination. High-risk groups such as senior citizens aged 65 or older, pregnant women, and children, as well as general adults, should actively participate in vaccination. Vaccines are the only defense against influenza infection as well as reducing the risk of complications and severe progression. Influenza was summarized with the help of Yoon Jin-gu, a professor of infectious diseases at Guro Hospital of Korea University.
◇Influenza, infection and transmission are very high
Influenza is an influenza virus infectious respiratory disease commonly referred to as 'flu', and is prevalent every winter. It is highly infectious and contagious, spreading throughout the community in a short period of time, and is particularly dangerous not only for healthy adults but also for people with weak immunity such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Symptoms such as sudden high fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and runny nose appear after an average incubation period of 1 to 4 days after virus infection.
Unlike common colds, general symptoms are strong and it takes a long time to recover, and children are sometimes accompanied by digestive symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Most of them improve within three to four days, but special attention is needed in high-risk groups as they can worsen into complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, and myocarditis.
◇It looks like a cold, but it's completely different
Colds and influenza are both respiratory diseases caused by viruses, but there is a big difference in the intensity and progression rate of symptoms. Colds usually cause mild inflammation of the nose or throat, and start with runny nose, stuffy nose, and sore throat and gradually recover. In most cases, symptoms improve in three to five days, and high fever is rare.
On the other hand, influenza is an acute viral infection that invades the whole body, and sudden high fever, muscle pain, headache, and fatigue appear in one day. It is accompanied by much more severe body aches than a common cold, and cough and sore throat may last longer. Children may develop digestive symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, and the elderly or chronically ill are at high risk of worsening due to complications such as pneumonia. In addition, unlike simple colds, antiviral drugs can be used if diagnosed early, so if you have a high fever and severe body aches, it is important to get medical treatment quickly and check for influenza.
◇The most obvious defense is vaccination
Influenza is repeatedly prevalent every year, but at a time when it spreads quickly and strongly, such as this year, the risk of infection increases, especially in high-risk groups. Not only the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases, but also those who come into contact with many people in daily life, such as children, students, and office workers, can be easily exposed. Vaccination goes beyond simply protecting individuals, and acts as a community shield to prevent the spread of infection to families and people around them.
The influenza vaccine develops immunity about two weeks after inoculation, and a single inoculation can protect the winter of the year. Vaccines reduce influenza infection and transmission itself, as well as alleviate symptoms and significantly reduce complications even if infected. In a time when the epidemic has accelerated like this year, it is most important to complete vaccination on time. Prevention is treatment, and vaccines are the most obvious countermeasures.
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
