Flu prevention easy and affordable in Hungary

A body tips, turns, shivers, and falls on its side - there's raspy breathing, then the stomach churning and delirium set in. Horrible? Yes. Maybe not, you think? That's because unfortunately for us all, every year between November and March this calamitous sounding experience plagues 1.5 - 2 million people in Hungary. It's the flu. And a recent report released in Hungary claims there is a higher chance healthy people will be infected in addition to children and the elderly, who have a higher risk of falling prey to this constantly changing viral infection that can not just sour anyone's week but can even cause death.

On the bright side, the viral infection is preventable.

According to the World Health Organization, vaccines against the flu are usually given to people in industrialized countries with a high risk of contracting the disease. In Hungary, the shot is free for men and women over 60, anyone with a chronic illness, children under age 12, expectant and breastfeeding mothers, and anyone who lives or works in a large community, (dorms, health care institutions, schools, etc.).

However, the report recommends that even healthy people consider getting the vaccine.

And it's not difficult: flu shots are available at any doctor's office. At state doctors, the appointment for the shot exempts patients from paying a visit fee. For generally healthy folk, the shot costs between Ft 900 and Ft 1,200.

Protection against the virus develops 14 days after the vaccine is administered in healthy individuals and lasts six to 12 months; the flu mutates and there are numerous strains, so the shot has to be altered annually to be effective.

Those allergic to egg white, patients of illnesses or treatments that weaken the immune system, and those suffering from an acute fever should not be vaccinated.

As the report suggests, play it safe and get the shot and save your sick days for playing hooky instead.

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