## Reason #1: Protects from other infections According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccinated people are three times less likely to get sick with viral infections — and if they get infected, they note milder symptoms compared to those who are not vaccinated. Vaccinated people are less likely to complain of body aches, pains and extreme fever, and they recover more quickly, often without even seeking medical attention. ## Reason #2: The flu will be “tougher" this year U.S. epidemiologists are predicting a spike in influenza virus infections ===after a long lull associated with the pandemic. How are influenza and COVID-19 related? There is no strong relation, but forced contact restriction and home isolation led to almost no flu last season, and the immune system needs constant training. So now that social distancing restrictions have been lifted in most parts of the world, viruses will be especially dangerous to a relaxed immune system. ## Reason #3: Protects the heart According to parallel data from the U.S., Scotland, and Italy, patients who already have cardiovascular disease on average have a harder time with influenza, which creates complications specifically related to cardiac function. At the same time, vaccinated "heart patients" typically did not complain about the deterioration of the main disease, even if they got sick. This was especially true for patients in the risk group for recurrent heart attacks. ## Reason #4: Exercise for the immune system As already mentioned, the immune system needs constant training, but if the body's defenses are weakened, contact with a live virus can put an excessive strain on the immune cells. On the other hand, the vaccine contains a killed virus, which acts as a trainer for the immune system. The cell learns to recognize the "enemy," but the disease itself does not develop. This is especially important for young children and the elderly, who have a higher risk of contracting the disease than others. ## Reason #5: Saves money Economists estimate that the average person spends about the same amount on flu shots as the cost of five to six flu shots. And since you can catch the flu twice in a season, the blow to the family budget can be significant. Additionally, if you add in the lost time, possibly ruined vacation, or extended missed time at work, it becomes obvious that vaccination is a much smarter solution — at least purely economically. ## Contraindications to the flu shot People who have been diagnosed with a severe allergic reaction to chicken protein (which most flu vaccines are based on) should not be vaccinated. During treatment for cancer or chronic immunodeficiency disorders, vaccination is only possible after consulting your doctor. You should postpone vaccination if you are ill with acute respiratory infections, have a worsening allergy, are in the first trimester of pregnancy, or have recently had a serious illness that has weakened your body.