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Flu season is upon us. Every year, in October, the flu season makes an appearance. These past few years COVID has also been a huge part of our daily life. We have had to change our way of living and adapt to these strange times. While everything is slowly shifting back to normal, it is still important to stay vigilant against COVID. To stay safe and healthy this year, practice good hygiene, make sure to sanitize your hands, and get your flu shot and stay up to date with vaccines. If you are interested in getting vaccinated, the influenza vaccine is offered at your local pharmacy.
The influenza virus changes every year. It is a contagious respiratory illness that lasts around 7-10 days. You may suffer from a fever, a cough, a sore throat, a runny nose, fatigue, and headaches. If you start showing some of these symptoms, consider staying home. If that's not possible in your case, make sure to protect others by wearing a mask and washing/sanitizing your hands often throughout the day. Be careful around your entourage, people over the age of 65 and people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and immune dysfunction because they are much more likely to suffer from severe symptoms which, in some cases, may even lead to death. The influenza spreads mostly through the air, by coughing, sneezing and even just talking, which is why wearing a mask while you are sick is one of the best options to be considerate of your peers.
Even though COVID cases are relatively low, preventing the spread of the disease by following the same procedures and precautions as you have been over the past 2 years is still recommended. Based on the government of Canada's research: “The count of total cases of COVID-19 in Canada was 21,810 for the week of October 16 to October 22, 2022” 1. Even though the number of cases has decreased around Canada it is still good practice to wear your mask when in public. The risk of getting COVID may be lower, but it is still present!
Influenza:
Over the years researchers have developed various types of vaccines each having their pros and cons. The yearly flu shots are a type of vaccine called a "killed" Whole-pathogen or inactivated vaccine. It consists of a killed pathogen of the virus which is injected into your body to build antibodies in the immune system. Since the pathogens are dead, there is no risk of contracting the virus from the vaccine. The negative effect of using a dead pathogen is that the injection doesn't build a long-lasting immunity. As a result, you may need to get what is called a booster shot. This type of vaccine is very effective for the flu since a new one is developed each year to combat the new strand of influenza. A long-lasting immunity is then not required for this specific disease. Examples of inactivated vaccines include the Influenza, the Polio, the Hepatitis A, and the Rabies vaccines.
The other type of whole pathogen is the live vaccine. This specific type uses a weakened pathogen instead of a "killed" pathogen. It does imply a low risk of contracting the disease from the vaccine which is why it is often recommended to speak to a doctor before getting a live vaccine, especially if you have any chronic illness. They do, however, require less doses (1-2) and tend to last an entire lifetime, generating no need for booster vaccines. The live vaccine is used to combat smallpox, chickenpox, yellow fever, Measles, and more!
COVID 19:
The COVID vaccine has been developed using a new form of vaccine called mRNA, short for messenger Ribonucleic acid. This vaccine injects the mRNA in the body, connecting with the ribosome* , which then transform into Amino acid to proteins (as shown in the image). This process triggers a reaction from the immune system creating the antibodies needed to fight the virus. In such, the mRNA vaccine does not use live pathogens, therefore creating no risk of contracting the disease from the vaccine. In comparison to the killed vaccines, mRNAs are more durable and are effective for much longer. Researchers are even seeing that the mRNA vaccines have the ability to evolve to the new strains of the virus, reducing the need for booster shots. Labs are currently testing mRNA vaccines for the Flu, Zika, and Rabies, as well as for cancer treatments.
Whether to get vaccinated or not is a personal choice. It is however important to be well informed about said vaccines before making a decision. If you are interested in getting more information, please see the articles and government websites linked down below.
At wotever inc, we carry a wide selection of sanitizing products and PPE.Whether you need hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, masks, or face shields. We have it all! Since the beginning of COVID, wotever inc. has carried whatever you may need to stay safe during those difficult times, everything you may need to stay safe and healthy! Our hand sanitizers, face shields, masks, & alcohol are now from 40%-70% OFF! Exceptions may apply.
Shop with us online or in store at 11 Dickens Street, Toronto, Ontario.
Contact us at (416) 461-1033, email us at info@wotever-inc.com, or follow us on social media! And don’t forget to visit our store in-person or shop online to see our massive selection of proudly Canadian products.
Interesting articles/Sites:
Sources
1 (“COVID-19: Outbreak update, https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html , 18/08/2022”)
* (Ribosome function, Reginald Davey,: https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/Ribosome-Function-in-Cells.aspx, 22/10/2019)
Vaccines:
Us. Department of health and human services - Vaccines types
Others:
