The Importance of Getting the Flu Vaccine in Dubai

Published on: 17th May 2023
Medically reviewed by: General Practitioner at First Response Healthcare

What Is Flu?

Flu, short for influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and can sometimes lead to hospitalization or even death, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.

What Are the Symptoms Of Flu?

People seem to think that flu and common cold feel similar, however a flu makes you feel much worse than a common cold. Some of the common symptoms of flu include:

Fever
Fatigue
Runny Nose
Sore Throat And Cough
Headache And Muscle Pain

These symptoms can appear differently in different people. Children and adults may experience different symptoms of the same disease.

Other symptoms to look out for during flu season in children include:

Difficulty Breathing
Chest Pain
Dry Mouth
No Tears When Crying
Lack Of Energy
Diarrhea
Irregular Cough
Fever

Adults may experience:

Difficulty Breathing
Irregular Cough
Fever

Why Should You Get The Flu Vaccine In Dubai?

Getting the flu vaccine home service is important for several reasons. Firstly, it can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the flu. By getting vaccinated, you can protect yourself from the flu and also prevent the spread of the virus to others, particularly those who are more vulnerable, such as young children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions.

Secondly, getting vaccinated is safe and effective. While the flu vaccine may not prevent every case of the flu, it can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, which can make a big difference in how quickly you recover and get back to your normal routine.

Lastly, getting vaccinated is easy and accessible. Flu shots are widely available at pharmacies and clinics. Home Healthcare organizations also offer the option of flu shots at home. Plus, many insurance plans cover the cost of the vaccine. By taking a few minutes out of your day to get vaccinated, you can help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from the flu.

How Do Flu Vaccines Work?

Flu vaccines work by introducing a small, harmless piece of the flu virus into the body. This piece of the virus, called an antigen, prompts the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. If the person later comes into contact with the actual flu virus, the antibodies recognize it and quickly work to destroy it before it can cause illness.

There are different types of flu vaccines, including inactivated vaccines, which contain pieces of the virus that have been killed or deactivated, and live attenuated vaccines, which contain weakened live virus. Both types of vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the flu virus.

When Should You Get Your Flu Shots At Home?

The flu season is from autumn to winter. It is recommended that you get your flu shots at home at the end of August or the end of September.

Why Is It Important To Get The Flu Shots At Home Every Year?

It is important to get the flu vaccination shot every year because the flu virus can mutate and change from year to year, leading to new strains that may not be covered by previous vaccines. By getting vaccinated each year, you can ensure that your immune system is prepared to fight the most current strains of the virus.

Moreover, flu viruses can cause severe illness and complications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. Getting vaccinated can help reduce the risk of contracting the flu, prevent its spread to others, and potentially save lives.

How Long Does It Take For The Flu Vaccination At Home To Work?

It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccination to become fully effective. During this time, the body’s immune system is producing antibodies in response to the vaccine, which takes time to reach protective levels.

For How Long Is The Flu Vaccine In Dubai Effective?

The effectiveness of the flu vaccine in Dubai can vary from year to year and can depend on several factors, including how well the vaccine matches the circulating strains of the flu virus. Generally, the flu vaccine home service is designed to provide protection for one flu season. However, the level of protection can decline over time, so getting vaccinated each year is recommended to ensure that your immune system is prepared to fight the most current strains of the flu virus.

Can I Get The Flu Even After Taking The Vaccine?

Even after receiving the flu vaccine in Dubai, it’s still possible to contract the flu. But in this case, your symptoms will be less severe, and you might be able to recover much quickly, as compared to someone who is not vaccinated. That’s why it’s important to get vaccinated as early as possible, ideally before the start of the flu season, to allow enough time for the vaccine to become fully effective.

Are Flu Shots Actually Effective?

Yes, flu shots are effective in reducing the risk of contracting the flu and preventing its spread to others. While no vaccine is 100% effective, studies have shown that flu vaccines in Dubai can reduce the risk of illness by up to 60% in the overall population.

Why Do I Need To Take The Flu Booster Shot?

One should take the flu booster shot, also known as a flu vaccine booster, to help maintain optimal protection against the flu virus over time. While the initial flu vaccine home service provides protection for the current flu season, the immune response can gradually wane over time, especially in older adults or those with weakened immune systems. A flu vaccine booster helps to boost the immune response and provide additional protection against the flu virus, particularly if there are new strains or changes to the circulating flu viruses.

Moreover, getting a flu vaccine booster can help prevent the spread of the flu to others, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to severe illness, such as young children and the elderly. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best timing for a flu vaccine booster, as it can depend on several factors, including age and underlying health conditions.

Can I Get The Flu Vaccine Shot At Home?

Yes, you can get the flu shot from the comfort of home through First Response Healthcare.

Can I Get The Flu From The Flu Vaccination At Home?

No, it is not possible to get the flu from the flu vaccination. The flu vaccine contains either dead or weakened versions of the virus that are not capable of causing illness. Some people may experience mild side effects after receiving the vaccine, such as soreness or redness at the injection site, fever, or body aches, but these symptoms are typically short-lived and not indicative of the flu. It’s important to note that the flu vaccine takes about two weeks to become fully effective, so it is still possible to contract the flu during this time period.

Does The Flu Vaccine Cause Side Effects?

It is common to experience mild side effects after receiving the flu vaccine, but these are usually short-lived and not serious. The most common side effects include soreness or redness at the injection site, low-grade fever, and mild body aches. Some people may also experience fatigue, headache, or nausea. These symptoms typically appear within a few hours to a few days after receiving the vaccine and typically last for one to two days.

Serious side effects from the flu vaccine are rare but can include severe allergic reactions or Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. It’s important to discuss any concerns about potential side effects with a healthcare provider.

Flu Vaccination At Home In Dubai | First Response Healthcare

First Response Healthcare (FRH) is a JCI accredited home healthcare organization that offers a range of medical services, including flu shots at home. FRH has a team of trained and experienced DHA licensed nurses who can come to your home, hotel or office to administer flu vaccine at home. FRH provides its services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays. The FRH medical team can visit you anywhere in the Emirate of Dubai. Our nurses are professional, caring and they ensure that they follow strict clinical protocols and guidelines in line with international medical quality standards.

Some Key Features Of FRH:

Vaccine will be administered by one of the DHA certified nurses.
We can vaccinate people of all ages, from children to the elderly.
If necessary, we will put you in touch with our team of internationally trained doctors.
Available anywhere in Dubai Emirate.
We have a 24/7 phone support desk that you can reach out to anytime.
We come to a location of your choice, whether it’s your home, office or hotel.
You can book an appointment with us even on weekends or public holidays since services are available 24/7.

To book an appointment for the flu vaccine at home in Dubai, you can call on 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also book an appointment online by visiting our website.