Get Influenza Vaccine
and Comprehensive Vaccine Service in Chiang Mai
If you're traveling to Chiang Mai, Thailand, or residing in the region, protecting yourself from diseases such as influenza is crucial. Chiang Mai Wellness Clinic offers travel health advice and comprehensive vaccine services, including flu vaccinations. Here's everything you need to know about influenza and where to get vaccinated in Chiang Mai.
What is Influenza?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The flu virus comes in different types, with influenza A and influenza B being the most common strains responsible for seasonal flu outbreaks in human.
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Influenza A is often more severe and is known to cause large epidemics.
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Influenza B usually causes milder symptoms compared to influenza A, though it can still lead to severe illness, especially in high-risk individuals.
It spreads through respiratory droplets, such as those released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. What makes influenza tricky is that infected individuals can spread the virus before they even show symptoms, which typically appear 1-4 days after exposure. This means you could be contagious for at least a day without realizing it.
Influenza in Thailand
Influenza is a global health concern, and Thailand is no exception. While the flu affects both children and adults worldwide, infection rates can be as high as 30% in children and 5-10% in adults. In Thailand, as well as other Southeast Asian countries, flu outbreaks can occur throughout the year, with increased cases during the rainy and winter seasons. Therefore, protecting yourself against influenza is essential, especially if you’re traveling to Chiang Mai during these times.
What Are the Symptoms of Influenza?
The flu can cause various symptoms, many of which can be mistaken for other viral infections. Common symptoms include:
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Fever
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Cough
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Sore throat
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Runny nose
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Headache
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Fatigue
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Muscle aches
Since these symptoms are similar to those caused by other viruses, it’s vital to monitor their progression and consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis.
Who Needs the Influenza Vaccine?
Certain groups are more vulnerable to severe influenza infection and should consider getting the flu vaccine annually to gain the benefit of vaccine protection. This is especially important for those traveling to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where flu outbreaks are common. At-risk groups include:
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Children aged 6 months and older
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Individuals aged 65 and older
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People with chronic diseases like COPD, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic kidney disease, or blood circulation disorders such as sickle cell disease
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Pregnant women
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Healthcare workers
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Frequent travelers, especially those heading to regions with a high flu incidence like Thailand
Where to Get the Influenza Vaccine in Chiang Mai?
For reliable and comprehensive vaccination services, including the influenza vaccine, visit Chiang Mai travel clinic at Chiang Mai Wellness Clinic. Our clinic is known for having the only specialized travel medicine doctor in northern Thailand, offering expert care and personalized travel health advice. Whether you're a tourist, expatriate, or local resident, we provide a full range of travel medicine services, ensuring you’re protected before and during your trip.
How Often Do I Need the Influenza Vaccine?
The influenza vaccine is recommended annually due to the constantly evolving nature of the virus. In Thailand, it’s best to get your flu shot starting from April or May, just before the rainy season when flu cases tend to spike or before the winter season. Vaccination is recommended for anyone aged 6 months and older.
How Effective is the Influenza Vaccine?
The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of infection by 55-76%, providing substantial protection. In recent years, a high-dose flu vaccine has been introduced, which is recommended for individuals aged 65 and older in Thailand, offering them additional protection against the virus.
What Are the Side Effects of the Influenza Vaccine?
Like any vaccine, the flu shot can cause side effects, but they are usually mild. Common side effects include:
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Fever (30.2%)
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Fatigue (28.9%)
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Soreness, swelling, or redness at the injection site (13.5-16.8%)
These side effects are typically short-lived and much less severe than the actual flu infection.
Why Get the Influenza Vaccine at Chiang Mai Wellness Clinic?
Chiang Mai Wellness Clinic offers several advantages when it comes to your flu vaccination needs:
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Expert Care: Our clinic is staffed by a specialized travel medicine doctor, ensuring you receive top-tier medical care and travel advice tailored to your needs.
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Affordable Vaccines and Services: We provide competitive pricing for all our vaccines, making quality healthcare accessible to everyone.
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Professional English-Speaking Staff: Our friendly, English-speaking team is highly knowledgeable, ensuring smooth communication and excellent service.
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Comprehensive Travel Health Services: In addition to the influenza vaccine, we offer a full range of travel health services, including vaccinations for Japanese encephalitis, rabies, and more, plus travel consultations and medical certificates.
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Convenient Location: Located in the heart of Chiang Mai city, our clinic is easy to access for both locals and travelers alike.
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Trusted by Travelers: Our clinic has a strong reputation among travelers, known for its reliable services and professional advice, making us the top choice for travel health services in northern Thailand.
Protect your health during your stay in Chiang Mai by visiting the Chiang Mai Wellness Clinic for your influenza vaccination and other travel medicine needs.
"If you want to consult about getting the flu vaccine, please contact Chiang Mai Wellness Clinic."