Myth 1 : Flu is just a bad cold!
Flu is confused with common cold, but t is not a mere cold that has gone bad. To begin with, flu is caused by different virus. The symptoms are also quite different which are uncommon with cold like high grade fever, cough, headache, body pain, weakness and fatigue. Also, flu can have quite serious complications as well.
Myth 2 : Flu is not serious!
Many people confuse flu with common cold and think it harmless. Flu is disturbing as you feel terrible due to high grade fever, headache, body ache, weakness etc. Most people recover but flu can have serious implications and even lead to hospitalisation in many. World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates say 3-5 million people get serious illness globally, every year because of flu.
Myth 3 : I have never suffered from flu!
Many people think they have never suffered from flu. But the truth is, they simply confuse it with common cold. Millions of people in the world catch flu every year.
Myth 4 : Flu is dangerous only in elderly!
Flu can seriously affect all ages. In addition to elderly, flu can be dangerous to children below 2 years of age, pregnant women and people chronic debilitating conditions. Highest risk of complications occurs among children below 2 years of age.
Myth 5 : Antibiotics can fight flu!
Antibiotics are used against bacterial infections. Flu is a viral disease, which may require antiviral treatment. Antibiotics play no role in treating a viral disease. They are useful only when flu gets complicated by a superadded bacterial infection like ear infection, sinusitis, and most often, pneumonia.
Myth 6 : Flu disease/vaccine provides lifetime protection!
The flu virus changes frequently and many strains circulate during the same season. Influenza vaccination is recommended every year to ensure adequate immunity against prevailing strains and also because the protection lasts for short duration.
Myth 7 : Flu only lasts for few days!
Fever and body ache because of flu may last a few days but the cough and weakness can last for 2 or more weeks.
Myth 8 : Flu vaccine is only needed before winter!
In cold countries (temperate), the flu season coincides with winter. In India, the flu viruses circulate throughout the year, with most cases happening during monsoon. Hence, the best time to vaccinate is before monsoon (usually April or May).
INFLUENZA VACCINATION
SCHEDULE: No vaccines to child below 6 months of age. For child below 6 months of age, parents and family member can be vaccinated to protect the child from influenza. Also, mothers can be vaccinated during pregnancy.
6 month to 1 year: 2 doses to be given 1 month apart.
After 1 year to throughout life, single dose every year preferably during month of April or May.
HIGH RISK GROUP:
- Chronic cardiac condition,
- Chronic pulmonary disease (excluding asthma),
- Hematological condition,
- Renal diseases (including nephritic syndrome),
- Chronic liver disease,
- Diabetes,
- Congenital or acquired immunodeficiency state,
- Laboratory personnel or healthcare workers.
QUADRIVALENT VS TRIVALENT VACCINES
Quadrivalent means covers four types of influenza strain while Trivalent covers 3 stains of influenza. Quadrivalent vaccine covers both the lineages of type B influenza while trivalent covers only single lineage of type B influenza so Quadrivalent is preferred over Trivalent vaccine.