Influenza vaccination - A simple way to prevent Flu in winter

Did you know Influenza is not just your regular cold or cough! It could be more than that.

While Influenza is commonly called the flu, it is not the same as a stomach "flu" that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. Influenza is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs, which are part of the respiratory system. Most people with the flu get better on their own. But sometimes, influenza and its complications can be deadly.

Symptoms

At first, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. Colds usually develop slowly. But the flu tends take over suddenly. And while a cold can be miserable, influenza related colds can make you feel much worse with the regular flu.

Common symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever
• Aching muscles
• Chills and sweats
• Headache
• Dry, persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness and weakness
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Eye pain
• Vomiting and diarrhoea, but this is more common in children than adults

Why taking influenza is so crucial?

An influenza virus is a microscopic infectious agent that invades your body causing a highly contagious respiratory illness. As the saying goes prevention is better than cure. We explain why it is crucial to take any Influenza symptoms and the vaccination!

Children's lifesaver:

Children are known to have an immunity lower than adults and are susceptible to seasonal viral or bacterial infections. In such cases, vaccinations are their only mechanism to fight the virus and decrease infant mortality due flu.

Decreases influenza-related hospitalizations

Flu vaccinations provide resistance in people to fight infections and reduce complications and risk of getting hospitalized due to flu.

Protects pregnant women from respiratory infections

As pregnant women are highly susceptible to infections, vaccinations are important to protect them from influenza infections. In addition to protecting them from contracting lung infections during and after pregnancy, vaccines also prevent them from contracting influenza infections. A number of studies have shown that vaccination administered to the mother can prevent babies from getting sick for several months after birth.

When and what is National Influenza vaccination week?

National influenza week is observed between December 6th and 12th it is an urge for everyone from 6 months and older to get the annual influenza (flu) vaccine, especially children and adults with chronic health conditions to avoid higher health risks.

Do not overlook flu:

The season for flu is unpredictable. Conventionally, at its peak in winter leading to few people dismissing influenza as a bad cold, showing a cavalier attitude towards it. However, negligence of flu is unadvised as it can cause a plethora of health complications like pneumonia or bacterial infections. If flu is not treated on time, it may sometimes lead to death. To prevent these threatening mishaps, it is imperative to take vaccinations and create awareness in people around you.

Is the Flu vaccine wise for chronic disease sufferers?

Yes! It is crucial for people with chronic diseases to take flu vaccines.

Studies proved, people with good immunity recover from the flu in a few days. However, those with low immunity probably develop complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infection.

People with chronic diseases already have a low immunity and if they are impacted with Flu and are not vaccinated their condition could worsen.

For instance, people with diabetes, if infected with the flu experience a spike in sugar levels and find difficulty in controlling it.

Summary explains:

A flu vaccine every year is the most effective way to prevent flu because viruses are constantly changing, and vaccination protection lasts about 6 months and grows weaker as time passes.

This National Influenza Vaccination Week let's encourage people of all ages from to take the flu shot, especially people with higher health risks.