Srinagar, Sep 21 (PR): With flu season just around the corner, Doctors
Association Kashmir (DAK) on Friday urged people to get
vaccinated against flu.
“Vaccination is the single best defense against flu,” said DAK
President and flu expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
He said everyone 6 months and older should get annual flu vaccine
before the start of flu season which begins in October and can last
as late as May. Since it takes two weeks for flu vaccine to become
fully effective, it is best to get the vaccine now. However,
vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu
season.
Dr Nisar said this season’s flu vaccine has been updated to better
match currently circulating viruses. This year quadrivalent
influenza vaccine containing H3N2, H1N1 and two B viruses is
recommended. There are number of flu vaccines available, but
there is no preference for one vaccine over the other.
“The nasal spray flu vaccine is back for children and needle-shy
adults. It is approved for people between age of 2 years and 49
years. It is not recommended for pregnant women,” he said.
“Getting a flu vaccine reduces illnesses, doctors’ visits,
hospitalization and death,” said Dr Nisar.
He said while the vaccine is recommended for all, it is especially
needed in young children, elderly, pregnant women and people
with medical conditions.
“Children 6 months through 8 years getting vaccinated for the first
time and those who have received only one dose in their life time
should get two doses of vaccine this season spaced at least 4 weeks
apart,” he added.
Dr Nisar said vaccination to expectant mother is critically
important to protect their newborn babies’ upto 6 months who are
too young to receive the vaccine.
“It is mandatory for healthcare workers to get vaccinated to
prevent spread of flu to patients who are vulnerable to flu-related
complications and death,” he informed.
Dr Nisar said in addition to the yearly flu vaccine, people can
prevent the spread of the flu by maintaining good hygiene.
“Washing your hands and covering your cough or sneeze will keep
you and people around you healthy and well. If you are down with
flu, stay away from work, school and gatherings until you are free
from symptoms,” he said.
Flu is a respiratory disease which manifests with cough, fever, sore
throat, runny nose and body ache.
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