Have you ever ever suffered from sore throat, fever, runny nostril and physique aches? Almost definitely, you will have confronted the signs of Seasonal flu!

Seasonal flu or influenza is a critical well being concern affecting hundreds of individuals yearly, some even resulting in hospitalization. The perfect safety in opposition to flu might be supplied by the seasonal flu vaccine which may additionally forestall problems resembling infections, pneumonia and deteriorating power ailments like diabetes, coronary heart failure, or bronchial asthma.¹ Flu is a standard an infection that thrives in cool climate and infrequently assaults the respiratory system. On the identical time, it could actually trigger allergic reactions, decreased immunity and diarrhea.² 

I not too long ago attended a live session on Influenza which was a really informative and educative one. I not solely learnt concerning the fundamentals of flu, how does it unfold, and precautions to be taken, but in addition about vaccines, how essential it’s and their effectiveness. The session additionally lined a number of steering measures to be taken by colleges, schools, corporates and staff alike. Total, it was a really enlightening and eye-opening session.

How are you going to shield your self from the seasonal flu?

To guard your self from the seasonal flu, it’s essential to develop your holistic well being. It’s essential to keep up a wholesome life-style by having a nutritious diet, a daily sleep cycle and retaining stress underneath verify. You will need to do common train and eat dietary meals avoiding junk meals. Sufficient consumption of Vitamin D by means of cheese, spinach or eggs and water to remain hydrated are equally essential.³

Now, that we’ve lined the fundamental prevention methods, it’s essential to contemplate the seasonal flu vaccine, which not solely reduces the danger of an infection in adults, senior residents, and pregnant ladies but in addition in youngsters.³

Every little thing it’s worthwhile to learn about flu vaccines:

Flu vaccine when injected leads the physique to develop antibodies in opposition to the influenza virus inside 2 weeks of vaccination. It protects in opposition to two influenza B viruses, influenza A (H1N1) virus and influenza A (H3N2) virus successfully. There are different licensed vaccine choices out there.¹

If you’re 6 months and older, it’s essential to get your influenza vaccine shot yearly as suggested by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.¹

When must you get vaccinated? You will need to get vaccinated earlier than the neighborhood unfold and thus, everybody ought to ideally be vaccinated earlier than the season modifications. Senior residents ought to keep away from early vaccination in order that the safety doesn’t wane away. Some youngsters might even require two doses. It is vital

to get a shot yearly because the immune safety declines over time and must be up to date usually.¹

One other level to be famous is Vaccine Effectiveness (VE) which is dependent upon well being, age and match between the virus in circulation and that within the vaccine. Thus, one can get the flu even after being vaccinated. However the severity of the sickness is drastically decreased, typically defending in opposition to problems.²

Together with getting vaccinated, it’s essential to proceed with the fundamental hygiene measures:

a. Cowl your nostril and mouth once you cough or sneeze.³

b. Wash your fingers typically with cleaning soap and water, particularly after you cough or sneeze. If you’re not close to water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.³

c. Keep away as a lot as you possibly can from people who find themselves sick.³

d. Strive to not contact your eyes, nostril, or mouth as viruses typically unfold this fashion.³

Thus, you will need to be a part of fingers collectively on this #FightAgainstFlu and take the mandatory precautionary measures to guard our family members and ourselves. By following the above-mentioned steps, you possibly can beat the seasonal flu.