What are the benefits of getting a flu vaccine?

Dec 01, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ren Yi

Introduction

Getting a flu vaccine generally reduces the risk of infection, alleviates symptom severity, prevents complications, protects high-risk populations, and decreases transmission risk. Influenza viruses frequently mutate, and vaccination stimulates the immune system to produce specific antibodies, preparing the body in advance to respond effectively and lowering the likelihood of influenza virus infection—especially during peak flu season, providing a protective barrier for the body.

Getting a flu vaccine generally helps reduce the risk of infection, lessen symptom severity, prevent complications, protect high-risk groups, and reduce transmission. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Reduce infection risk: Influenza viruses frequently mutate. Vaccination stimulates the immune system to produce specific antibodies, preparing the body in advance and lowering the likelihood of contracting the flu virus. Especially during peak flu season, it builds a protective barrier for the body.

2. Lessen symptom severity: Even if one becomes infected with the flu after vaccination, the vaccine can still be effective by making symptoms milder. The duration of symptoms such as fever, cough, and fatigue may be shortened, recovery is faster, and discomfort caused by the flu is reduced.

3. Prevent complications: The flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and myocarditis. Vaccination reduces the likelihood of these complications, preventing more severe damage to the body and safeguarding overall health.

4. Protect high-risk groups: Children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases are at higher risk for severe flu. Vaccination provides additional protection for these populations, reducing the risk of worsening illness after infection.

5. Reduce transmission risk: Vaccination not only protects the individual but also lowers the chance of spreading the flu virus to others. By establishing herd immunity, it helps control the spread of influenza outbreaks.

It is recommended to get vaccinated before each flu season. Consult a healthcare professional beforehand to determine whether your health condition is suitable for vaccination.

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Does Lianhua Qingwen treat allergic asthma?

The core effects of Lianhua Qingwen are clearing away epidemic toxins, detoxification, promoting lung function, and relieving heat. It is primarily used to treat influenza due to heat-toxin attacking the lungs, and is not intended for the treatment of allergic asthma. Allergic asthma results from an abnormal immune response to allergens and requires targeted anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy treatments. Patients with allergic asthma should seek timely evaluation and standardized treatment at a respiratory medicine department.

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Can a cold be transmitted to people nearby?

If a cold is caused by a virus (such as influenza virus or rhinovirus) and is in the early stage of illness (1–3 days when symptoms are apparent), it can easily spread to others through respiratory droplets or direct contact. When patients cough or sneeze, they release virus-containing droplets; others may become infected by inhaling these droplets or touching contaminated objects. The risk is particularly higher in enclosed environments.

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Is a person still contagious after fever subsides due to a cold?

If a cold is caused by the influenza virus, or if symptoms such as persistent cough, sore throat, and runny nose remain after fever subsides—even if the fever has only been gone for less than 24 hours—there may still be infectivity. Influenza viruses are highly contagious and can persist for a long duration; even after the fever resolves, residual virus may remain in the body and spread via respiratory droplets. The persistence of symptoms also indicates that the virus has not been completely eliminated, meaning there remains a risk of transmission.

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Can patients with viral influenza eat rice noodles?

In general, patients with viral flu can eat rice noodles, as long as they consume them in moderation. When eating rice noodles, avoid spicy broths and excessive stimulating seasonings; opt instead for clear broth or mushroom-based soup, which are more suitable. Drink plenty of warm water daily to promote viral metabolism, and ensure adequate sleep to support body recovery. Regularly open windows indoors to ventilate and maintain fresh air, and avoid crowded places to prevent cross-infection.