How effective are flu shots in protecting against seasonal coughs and colds? Doctors explain – Life News

The season is changing, and this has triggered an increase in cases seasonal flu as people struggle with coughs, colds and fevers. Influenza, also known as “flu”, is a highly contagious respiratory illness.

According to Mira Health Organization (WHO), influenza is easily spread through airborne droplets or when people touch contaminated surfaces. In most cases, the disease is mild, with symptoms such as chills, fever and fatigue. Notably, it can also be transmitted through asymptomatic infections in people who do not even know they have the disease.

What’s more, the flu can also lead to serious complications, especially in vulnerable people such as young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. The most common complication is pneumonia, usually caused by a secondary bacterial infection.

The WHO states that influenza viruses mutate very quickly, and uncontrolled spread leads to the emergence of many different strains, which are divided into two main types that affect humans – influenza A and influenza B. Consequently, scientists are monitoring both seasonal and potentially pandemic strains of influenza . Because new strains emerge frequently, the seasonal flu vaccine typically changes every year and scientists determine how the virus mutated and spread.

What are flu vaccines?

Every year, WHO recommends virus strains for inclusion in influenza vaccines for each hemisphere. Various vaccines are being developed that target the 3 or 4 strains of virus that are predicted to circulate most frequently in the upcoming flu season.

Dr Jayanta Thakuria, Director, Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital, Faridabad, told Financial Express.com that flu vaccinations, primarily targeting influenza, are given to vulnerable groups every year, including the elderly and patients with comorbidities such as as chronic obstructive disease. pulmonary diseases (COPD), heart failure, kidney failure and asthma.

“These vaccinations are usually given at least a month before the flu season, usually between April and June, to allow enough time for antibodies to develop,” Dr. Thakuria said.

“Low awareness in India”

IN IndiaAwareness of flu shots is low, resulting in less than 10 percent of those who need the vaccine actually getting it, Dr. Thakuria explained.

“In contrast, many foreign countries are incorporating flu vaccinations into their routine health protocols, based on recommendations from the public health sector,” he said. FinancialExpress.com.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that everyone in the United States 6 months of age or older, with few exceptions, should get a flu vaccine each season.

In India, the uptake of flu shots is relatively low compared to countries with high vaccination coverage such as the US or many European countries, said Dr Tushar Tayal, consultant, department of internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. FinancialExpress.com.

“Factors contributing to the decline in influenza vaccination rates in India include lack of public awareness about the importance of influenza vaccination. Flu shots may not be available in rural areas and are usually offered at a higher cost by private health facilities. This makes them less accessible to economically disadvantaged groups,” he said.

Also in India, official guidelines discourage annual flu vaccination for the entire population, reducing public awareness, he said.

“In contrast, countries such as the US, Canada and Australia have extensive national immunization programs that promote and subsidize influenza vaccines. High-risk groups, including children, the elderly and health care workers, are eligible for annual influenza vaccination, often free of charge. In addition, seasonal influenza vaccination recommendations are a regular part of public health campaigns in these countries, contributing to increased vaccination coverage,” he said. FinancialExpress.com.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ankita Baidya, Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, highlighted that awareness about influenza vaccines is now steadily increasing in India and more people are inquiring about influenza vaccinations.

“However, compared to other countries, flu vaccines are still underutilized here. This gap is likely due to vaccine hesitancy and lack of awareness. With the number of infections on the rise, it becomes even more important to promote influenza vaccination, which not only helps prevent individual infections but also helps strengthen herd immunity, reducing the spread of infection in the community,” said Dr. Baidya. FinancialExpress.com.

How do flu vaccines work?

Flu vaccines trigger the body to produce antibodies about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against influenza.

According to the CDC, seasonal flu vaccines are designed to protect against the flu viruses that research shows will be most common in the upcoming season.

“Beginning in 2024-25, all influenza vaccines in the United States will be “trivalent,” meaning they protect against three different influenza viruses: influenza A(H1N1) virus, influenza A(H3N2) virus, and influenza A(H3N2) virus. H3N2). influenza B/Victoria virus,” the message says.

Flu vaccinations can play a critical role in reducing the burden of influenza-like illness, Dr. Tayal said. FinancialExpress.com.

“Flu vaccines are designed to protect against the most common and severe strains of the influenza virus, reducing the risk of getting the flu by boosting the immune response. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, especially in high-risk groups such as older adults, children, and people with chronic diseases. High vaccination rates in the population also contribute to herd immunity, which helps protect people who may respond poorly to the vaccine or are unable to get vaccinated,” Dr. Tayal said.

What are the common flu symptoms?

Common symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle pain or body pain
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhea are more common in children than in adults.

Doctors say these symptoms can begin to appear one to four days after infection and usually last about a week.

When should you get a flu shot in India?

In India, the flu season usually peaks during the monsoon and winter months. However, doctors recommend getting a flu shot before the peak season to ensure maximum protection.

The best time to get vaccinated is during the pre-monsoon period (April-May), but you can get vaccinated later in the year as per your doctor’s advice. Meanwhile, the CDC says everyone should be vaccinated by October.

Who should get the vaccine?

Here are people at high risk for flu complications and who should consider getting vaccinated:

• Children under 5 years old
• Adults over 65 years of age
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic diseases (eg, heart disease, asthma, diabetes)
• Medical workers

Before getting the vaccine, tell your doctors if you have any recent health problems or allergies.