- Recently, medRxiv published a study by scientists from the Netherlands who reported that an annual flu shot can provide cross-protection against COVID-19.

Has this kind of research been conducted before, and can a flu shot really protect against coronavirus?

- The flu shot does not protect against coronavirus, but it does activate certain innate immunity receptors that remain in the body for a long time. When they meet the SARS-CoV-2 virus, these receptors quickly recognize it, and a cascade of reactions is immediately triggered. The earlier the immune response begins, the faster antibodies are formed that protect a person from the virus. That is, the influenza vaccine has a nonspecific immune response, which ultimately affects the tolerance of coronavirus infection, namely, the favorable outcome of the disease.

Even after vaccination against influenza, for several months, other cells are activated - dendritic ones, which determine protection against all infectious pathology.

It can be influenza or coronavirus, or other infections.

In addition, the flu vaccine also activates special immune response functions that reduce inflammation in the body.

This is where the complex effect of the influenza vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus comes from.

Practical studies of the last year show that those previously vaccinated against seasonal flu, if they become infected with coronavirus, are less likely to stay in hospitals, and are less likely to need oxygen therapy and artificial ventilation.

Most importantly, the risk of death is reduced.

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Is it worth getting vaccinated against influenza after being vaccinated against COVID-19?

Are there risks of possible side effects? 

- Yes, you need to be vaccinated.

There will be no side effects.

There are even recommendations not only Russian, but also international.

He was vaccinated against coronavirus infection - in a month it will be possible to get a flu vaccine, and vice versa.

Even those who have had the coronavirus can get the flu vaccine.  

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  • © Pavel Lisitsyn

- Are antibodies against coronavirus also produced after a flu shot?

- No.

The flu vaccine forms antibodies only to the flu.

What is associated with the coronavirus is the so-called non-specific effect of the vaccine, because the specific one implies protection against the flu specifically.

And the nonspecific effect appears due to the activation of immunity, which prepares a person to meet any viruses and bacteria, including coronavirus.

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According to scientists from the Netherlands, if you constantly get vaccinated against influenza, there is an effect of "trained" immunity, which allows you not to get infected with other viruses, including

COVID

-19.

Is it really so?

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The effect of "trained" immunity can be caused not only by the flu vaccine, but also by the measles vaccine.

Vaccines against pneumococcus, diphtheria, tetanus, for example, are also powerful immunomodulators.

Therefore, any vaccine trains the immune response.

- Is there a danger of contracting new strains of coronavirus after a flu shot with a weakened immune system?

- No.

The vaccine does not reduce immunity, but stimulates it.

Those who do not vaccinate against any infections have a chance to get infected.

- Will universal vaccinations be created in Russia and in the world that can protect against both viruses - influenza and coronavirus?

- There are already preclinical studies in Russia, where they are trying to combine two vaccines at once. Such developments are underway because viruses are from the same group. Until a common vaccine is developed that uses a single syringe, it is likely that coronavirus and influenza vaccinations will be given on the same day.