Preventing the Flu

What is influenza?

Influenza (also called "the flu") is a viral infection in the nose, throat and lungs. About 10% to 20% of Indians get the flu each year. Some people can get very sick from the flu.

The flu may cause fever, cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and tiredness. Most people feel better after 1 or 2 weeks, but for some people, the flu leads to serious diseases, such as pneumonia. The influenza vaccine can help protect you from getting the flu.

Who is at higher risk?

The following people have a higher risk of flu complications:

All children from 6 months up to 19 years of age
All adults 50 years of age and older
All women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season
People who are living in nursing homes or long-term-care facilities
Individuals who have long-term health problems
Health care workers who have direct contact with patients

What is H1N1 flu?

The H1N1 influenza (also called swine influenza or swine flu) is a respiratory infection caused by a virus found in pigs. H1N1 flu can infect humans.

How can I avoid getting the flu?

The best way to avoid getting the flu is to get the influenza vaccine. You should get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available each fall, but you can also get it any time throughout the flu season (into December, January and beyond). The vaccine is available by shot or by nasal spray. Nasal flue vaccine is not commercially available in some countries like India. The vaccines work by exposing your immune system to the flu virus. Your body will build up antibodies to the virus to protect you from getting the flu. The flu shot contains dead viruses. The nasal-spray vaccine contains live but weakened viruses. You cannot get the flu from the flu shot or the nasal-spray vaccine.

You can also reduce your risk of catching the flu by washing your hands frequently, which stops the spread of germs. Eating healthy, exercising and getting enough sleep also play a part in preventing the flu because they help boost your immune system.

If you are sick, make sure that you cover your mouth when you cough and wash your hands often to prevent giving the flu to others.

Is there anyone who shouldn't get the flu shot?

Yes. The following people should talk to their doctor before getting the flu shot:

People who have had an allergic reaction to a flu shot in the past
People who have an allergy to eggs
People who previously developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a reversible reaction that causes partial or complete loss of movement of muscles, weakness or a tingling sensation in the body) within 6 weeks of getting a flu shot
Children younger than 6 months of age
People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait until they feel better before receiving the flu shot

Is there anyone who shouldn't get the nasal-spray vaccine?

Yes. The following people should talk to their doctor before getting the nasal-spray vaccine:

Children less than 2 years of age
Adults 50 years of age and older
People who have long-term health problems
People who have weakened immune systems
Children or adolescents who are on long-term aspirin therapy
People who have diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease or lung disease
People with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome
Pregnant women
People who have had an allergic reaction to a flu vaccine in the past or who are allergic to eggs

If I get the flu vaccine, can I still get the flu?

Yes. Even with a flu vaccine, you are not 100% protected. Each year, the flu vaccine contains 3 different strains (kinds) of the virus. The strains chosen are those that scientists believe are most likely to show up in the United States that year. If the choice is right, the vaccine can be as much as 70% to 90% effective in preventing the flu in healthy adults. If you're older than 65 years of age, the vaccine is less likely to prevent the flu. Even if you get the flu after being vaccinated, your flu symptoms can be milder than if you didn't get the vaccine. You'll also reduce your risk of complications from the flu.

Can I get the flu vaccine if I am pregnant or nursing?

If you are pregnant during flu season, you cannot get the nasal-spray vaccine. However, it is recommended that women who will be pregnant during flu season get the shot. Pregnancy can increase your risk for complications from the flu.

It is also safe to get the flu shot while breastfeeding your baby. The flu shot should not cause you or your nursing baby to get sick.

What are antiviral flu drugs?

Antiviral flu drugs are prescription medicines that can be used to help prevent and/or treat the flu.. If you take one of these drugs within 2 days of getting sick, it can lessen your symptoms, decrease the amount of time you are sick and make you less contagious to other people. However, most healthy people who have the flu get better without using an antiviral flu drug. Your doctor will decide whether one of these medicines is right for you.

- By Dr. Archana Chandra,
MD, Family Medicine,
Prime Med Care,
Dallas, Texas, USA

Sahyog Wellness provides Nebulizers, Thermometers which help you to fight & measure different types of Flu.