Thonburi Trang
Thonburi Trang Hospital provides essential health information about influenza (the flu), one of the most common infectious respiratory diseases in Thailand. Although influenza can occur year-round, outbreaks peak during the rainy and winter seasons.
Influenza (Flu): Caused by the Influenza virus (Types A, B, and C). Type A is the most severe. Symptoms include high fever, severe body aches, fatigue, and headache.
Common Cold: Caused by other viruses (e.g., Rhinovirus). Symptoms are milder but may overlap, such as runny nose, sore throat, and low-grade fever.
While healthy individuals usually recover within a week, complications are more likely in high-risk groups, including:
Infants under 6 months
Adults aged 65 and older
Patients with weakened immune systems (e.g., cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, those on immunosuppressive drugs)
People with chronic conditions such as heart disease, asthma, COPD, chronic kidney disease, or liver cirrhosis
Maintain good health: eat nutritious meals, exercise, and get adequate rest.
Practice good hygiene: wear a mask in crowded places, wash hands frequently.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Annual influenza vaccination is strongly recommended to reduce risk and complications.
Immunity from a flu shot decreases after about 12 months.
Influenza viruses mutate frequently, so the vaccine is updated yearly to match circulating strains.
Annual vaccination helps reduce severity and protects against new strains expected to spread that year.
Q: Can I still get the flu after vaccination?
A: Yes, but symptoms are usually much milder, and risks of serious complications are significantly reduced.
Q: Should children and the elderly get vaccinated?
A: Absolutely. These groups are most at risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
Q: Is the flu vaccine safe?
A: Yes. Side effects are usually minor, such as mild soreness at the injection site.
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