We all have seen a rising trend in flu in the past 10 years or so. It’s an emerging illness that ensnarls a huge chunk of the population every year. I being a doctor have exposure to disease a lot, it’s an occupational hazard. I started avoiding the Out-Patients Department (OPD) of our hospital, later on, I realized I was acting like an Ostrich, putting my head in the sand could only help so much.
I started using active techniques to stop flu:
- Wearing mask
- Using hand sanitizers
- Using Gloves
- Stopped cold drinks, juices, etc.
- Regular steam inhalation
I was in for a surprise when I got sick. I suddenly started having a fever, running nose which I mistook with the common cold and took medication. Within 2 days I realized my mistake when I was having difficulty in doing my routine work. I had difficulty in breathing & severe cough. By the time I myself went to the hospital, it had spread to my chest and I was immediately taken in ICU on oxygen and treatment was started. That’s when I realized how much we take for granted when it comes to our health. We never actively take any precautions and only visit doctors in case of illness, rather for routine check-ups.
My Moto is Prevention is better than cure.
Flu is a dangerous life-threatening infection of the respiratory system. It’s contagious and spreads from person to person through droplets. The worst thing is that everyone is susceptible to the disease.1
Healthy person could have Flu too.
The Flu Vaccine against Influenza is a sure shot way to prevent Flu. It is a Quadrivalent Vaccine, it prevents against 4 strains of the Influenza Virus prevalent in India.
Everyone should get Vaccinated to improve Herd Immunity.2
How do we get Flu?
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It spreads from Droplet transmission by Cough or Sneezing. Both oral and nasal secretions are contagious.
What all precautions should be taken during the Flu?
- Wear Mask
- Cover your nose and mouth during coughing and sneezing
- Use hand sanitizer
- Use disposable tissues
- Take rest
- Maintain hydration
When is Flu Season?3
Flu season starts from October could continue till May but peaks are seen in December & February. Get yourself vaccinated in time. It takes 2 weeks for antibodies to develop so by the time Flu will spread in the community you will be safe from Flu. It’s not a hard and fast rule and you could get vaccinated all year round.
Will I never get flu after Vaccination?
Vaccination only lasts for a year and has to be repeated after that for further protection from Flu.
Who all are susceptible to flu?4
Everyone is susceptible, few people have more chances than others.
- Children >6 months of age.
- Pregnant women
- Immunocompromised people
- Adults age 65 and older
- People with chronic health conditions like asthma, cancer, renal diseases, etc.
- Those who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
- Travelers
Let’s protect ourselves from flu and get vaccinated. #IPromiseToStopFlu.
This will be my last post of year 2019, Be healthy in New Year 2020
Be Healthy & Be Happy
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views solely of the blogger. One should consult their healthcare provider for any health-related information. This article is meant to help create awareness and spread knowledge. Any decision regarding your health and child’s health should be done after consultation with your doctor. While all efforts are made to keep articles updated, the speed of research in these fields means the information often may change when more research knowledge is available. Living herself or the authors should be in no way held responsible in that case.
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