Aaaachhuu!!
No one likes sneezing, the headache that follows, and the realization that you’ve got the flu.
Getting the flu is one of the most common reasons for taking a sick leave. From our childhood days, we have been suffering from the flu – sometimes mild, and sometimes with serious repercussions.
Most of us have been told that it is natural to have the flu that lasts for days or weeks at least once a year like it is an annual holiday. What we do not understand about the flu is that it’s easily preventable – yes, it is possible!
So why take the undue stress, anxiety, and suffering?
Our healthcare system is already struggling with the increased need and demands in response to the current pandemic. Hence, we can save medical resources by protecting and safeguarding ourselves from viral illnesses like the flu.
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What is flu Season in India?
Most of us keep thinking and researching about why we keep getting the flu and how it impacts us. I got to know that there is something called flu Season. Yes, I am not making this up. In India, in most of the states, the flu season is at the start of the monsoon and in a few states, during the winter season.
Now, one would think, what are the signs and symptoms of Seasonal flu?
Seasonal influenza or flu shows these common symptoms – fever, cough (this is usually dry), headache, pain in the muscle and joints, malaise (feeling unwell), sore throat, and our old enemy i.e., the running nose. [2]
This brings us to the next question – is it preventable?
Yes, the most common and effective way to treat seasonal influenza is vaccination [2] – and it’s not something new. Vaccinations have been used for as long as 60 years for treating seasonal flu, so it is safe, tried, and tested. However, you need to get vaccinated every year because the flu virus is constantly changing and evolving. So last year’s flu shot may not be fully effective against the changed flu strain of this year. They evolve faster than we do!
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Who should get flu vaccine first?
It is always better to be safe than sorry, so I suggest everyone should consult their doctor to understand the need for vaccination. Most prominently, WHO recommends the following groups of people for annual vaccination:
- Pregnant women
- Infants from 6 months to 5 years
- Senior citizens (above 65 years)
- Anyone with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, asthma etc.
- Healthcare workers
If you’re thinking – why should we get vaccinated?
As per WHO, influenza or seasonal flu severely affects 30-60 lakh individuals with 2.9 to 6.5 lakh annual deaths [2], globally. And not just that – as per the research in developing countries, 99% of the deaths in children under the age of 5 occur because of influenza-related lower respiratory tract infections[2]. Are you still thinking of taking this lightly?
Seasonal flu is common and easily mistaken for the common cold. It’s safe and easy to prevent it than suffer the consequences, even more so now than ever before, with our immunity and nutrient level reaching an all-time low due to the current COVID-19 situation.
As per WHO, the best time to get vaccinated in India starts from this monsoon season [4]. It doesn’t take much to check with your doctor about flu vaccination for you and your family right away before the monsoon hits North India.
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Let’s do our part and stay one step ahead of the virus.
It’s your friends and family – keep them safe and healthy.
The onus lies on all of us.
We must #PreventWhatCanBePrevented because flu is preventable with vaccination.
References:
- https://www.bewiseimmunise.sanofipasteur.in/preventwhatcanbeprevented
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)
- https://ncdc.gov.in/showfile.php?lid=280
- https://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/92/5/13-124412/en/
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Glad you wrote on this topic. Even amongst the most affluent class, most parents are unaware of this vaccine and how beneficial it can be to their children.
Totally, I hope more and more people learn about it
That such a detailed blog post with such useful and relevant information. I have been giving my daughter the flu shot but never taken myself. Now I will get it done for all family members.
That’s great to know
A nice detailed blog!! it’s prudent to take Flu shot in order to #preventwhatcanbeprevented.
Totally, couldn’t agree more
Its important to know about the why and when so that timely precautions can be taken.Its great that you are spread awareness around Flu.
Rightly said:-)
This post is definitely an eye 👁️ opener for so many people who aren’t aware of the importance and need of this vaccine for their kids.
I hope more and more people read and do the needful
Thanks Afreen, you have answered all my queries in your post. I was hesitant to ask but now I know so much more about the flu and the vaccinations.
That’s really great to know
Am so happy to read this post on flu. It helped to clear so many wrong notions I had.
That’s great, glad to be helpful
The monsoon season brings in its wake many illnesses, and of course, Flu is a common ailment. It is really wise to take preventive measures including vaccines. Again in the wake of Corona, it may become a norm to get vaccinated every year.
Couldn’t agree more. Its better to Prevent what can be prevented
That’s very informative read about flu it’s season and how it can be prevented. Absolutely flu shot helps to keep flu and it’s related complications at bay #preventwhatcanbeprevented
Totally agree
It is definitely important to take care during the flu season. And also to know the symptoms and the cure for it. I usually take the flu shot every single year so I am protected against the flu.
That’s really great to know 🙂
I recently heard about this vaccine for children. Somehow, we have not taken flu seriously. But your post highlighted the importance of prevention. It’s good to be safe.
Its always better to prevent what can be prevented
This post cleared a lot of doubts I had about influenza and flu. Monsoon brings a number of ailments that we often tend to ignore. I hope more and more people gets information about flu and vaccination so that the disease can be prevented.
Hoping for the same. Fingers crossed
Thank you for writing this article. It was a much needed read during tough times like this. I had no idea that a flu vaccine exists and it is preventable. Definitely checking with my doctor.
That’s a great step 🙂
I hate flu season! Your blog post definitely helped me understand the issue better and I will start talking necessary precautions 🙂
That’s good to know
Until Covid arrived, flu season wasn’t taken seriously by the majority. But now, times have changed. Thanks for this post. It’s indeed an eye-opener!
Glad to be helpful