DUBAI 2 September 2019: With flu season around the corner, and schools just about to begin, doctors are emphasising the importance of getting the flu vaccine and taking all the necessary precautions to prevent the risk of getting sick and contracting life threatening illnesses due to the Influenza.
“Influenza vaccination or flu shot, is a seasonal vaccine that protects against Influenza A, B and their strains that causes severe flu infections. It is recommended to be taken annually, as every year it is updated to include the main viruses known to cause the flu,” said, Dr Yanal Salam, Specialist Internal Medicine at Emirates Hospital – Jumeirah.
Each year, the flu virus strikes any time between September to April and increases the probability of contracting several mild to chronic respiratory illnesses caused by different strains of the virus. The flu vaccine is known to lower the risk of getting affected by more than 50% which could otherwise cause severe complications.
Complications
Complications are reported particularly among infants till 5 years of age, older population ie- 60 years and above and in high risk patients with medical conditions such as asthma, chronic lung diseases, heart disease, diabeties, chronic liver and kidney disorders, blood related disorders, neurological disorders, weak immunity and individuals with morbid obesity.
The vaccine makes the body immune towards contracting the flu usually within two weeks of administering the shot, and protects against Influenza A H1N1, Influenza B and H3N2. Getting the vaccine on time and taking the necessary precautions also helps prevent spreading in the community.
The side effects of the flu vaccine are reportedly mild and known to subside gradually. Patients usually complain of soreness, redness or swelling of the area where the shot was administered or low-grade fever and muscle pains. In adults the flu shot most often causes headache, muscle pain and fatigue. In either case the symptoms last for 1-2 days and does not require any treatment.
Some other factors to keep in mind to avoid getting infected include maintaining highest level of hygiene at all times, having foods rich in Vitamin C to build immunity, covering mouth while coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of infection and visiting the doctor if experiencing fever, cough or chills.
Lastly, it is also important not to send the children to nursery or school when they are infected to prevent the spread across to others.
