• Sweeteners.The great scam of the 'healthy' alternatives to sugar
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  • From Yuca to ElCoco: 'apps' to buy healthy food are still of little use

This week the flu vaccination campaign has begun, perhaps the ugly duckling of vaccines. To understand why, let's start by getting to know the influenza A virus better and its fondness for changing looks every season . Type A virus is characterized by wearing spicules (skewers) on its wrap, as if wearing a hat. Imagine that the virus begins the season with a blue hat. Logically, we will get vaccinated against that blue virus. The problem is that as winter progresses, the virus can mutate and change its appearance. Without warning, you can change the blue hat for a red one. And since we have been vaccinated to identify a virus with a blue hat, if the virus changes the hat and turns it red, the vaccine will not recognize it and will not be effective. Therefore, depending on the mutations of the virus - or how and when you change your hat - the vaccine will be more or less effective. This ability of the flu virus to play with misgivings makes it the goal of numerous myths. These are the most frequent and the explanation of why they are not true.

The flu vaccine is not effective

According to a European report in several countries, including Spain, in the past campaign the effectiveness was between 32% and 43% . Given that the effectiveness of other vaccines is almost 100%, it may seem little. However, from the National Center for Microbiology of the Carlos III Health Institute, experts point out that "the results of this report show that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure against influenza." Sounds like we don't-have-nothing-better. "But even if we don't have those percentages, they can be very useful as we'll see next.

Catching a flu today is not so bad

Last year, according to data from the Carlos III Institute, almost half a million mild cases were detected in primary care. However, there were also 35,300 hospitalizations, 2,500 admissions in the ICU and, most seriously, 6,300 deaths attributed to influenza . Could the vaccine help? It is estimated that in over 64 years the flu vaccine could prevent 40% of admissions in ICU and 38% of deaths. It is to think about it, isn't it?

The flu vaccine can make you catch the flu

Influenza vaccine viruses are inactivated , that is, dead and well dead. If someone catches the flu right after being vaccinated, it is probably because in the days before the vaccination they had already come into contact with the virus. It is a coincidence in time, not a cause-effect relationship.

The flu is cured with antibiotics

Although this myth should be more than overcome, many people go to the doctor or even the pharmacy asking for antibiotics at the slightest symptom. The flu is caused by a virus and antibiotics are used to kill bacteria. Not only are they not effective against viruses, but misuse can stop them being effective for bacteria. Remember: antibiotics need a prescription.

Pregnant women should not get a flu shot

It is not true that pregnant women should not be vaccinated, but also part of one of the risk groups. Pregnant women should get vaccinated in any trimester of pregnancy.

What are the risk groups?

  • Elderly people, preferably from 65 years of age and with special emphasis on those who live in closed institutions.
  • People under 65 years of age with a high risk of complications from the flu. For example, people with chronic diseases (diabetes, asthma, immunosuppressed, etc.), institutionalized or those mentioned pregnant.
  • People who can transmit the flu to those who have a high risk of complications, such as healthcare staff or caregivers of patients.
  • People who provide essential services to the community, such as firefighters or the State Security Forces and Bodies. We cannot allow these men and women to fall ill.

    • What if I don't belong to a risk group?

    If you do not belong to a risk group but want to get vaccinated you should go to your doctor to evaluate it. Remember that for the pharmacy to give you the vaccine, even if it is not funded, it is necessary to present a prescription with your commercial name. The price is around 15 euros.

    Can anything else be done to prevent the flu?

    Beyond vaccination, let us remember to wash our hands as a method of prevention and to do that thing so orthopedic but effective at the same time as sneezing in our elbow instead of in the hand , which is what we then greet. Our neighbor will thank us.

    Consulting room

    Consultas: papel@elmundo.es and @Papel_EM

    • I have been told that carob flour is a good substitute for milk sugar but it sounds strange to me. What is true? Carob flour is obtained from the fruit of the carob tree (a legume with a pod shape). Traditionally it has been used to feed cattle such as pigs or horses, but it can also be used to sweeten. It contains 40-50% of sugars, but also 13-18% of fiber that helps to slow down the absorption of naturally present sugars. Also minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, silicon or phosphorus. Therefore, compared to sugar and although it would be best to drink milk alone , carob flour would be a good alternative.

    According to the criteria of The Trust Project

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