Flu in Winter

 

The monsoon season is when the flu virus circulates at its highest in India, with secondary peaks occurring from November through February during the winter. Given that Covid-19 symptoms are similar to those of the winter flu, here is what you need to know.

Since influenza, or "flu," is a highly contagious sickness that affects both adults and children, it has resulted in numerous global pandemics and untold numbers of fatalities. A cough or sneeze can spread the virus if the tiny droplets land on someone's face, lips, or eyes. In India, the flu virus circulates most frequently during the monsoon season, with secondary peaks occurring from November to February.

Simple hygiene practises like wearing masks in crowded settings and often washing hands help stop the spread of the virus. During the Covid-19 pandemic, these practises were constantly followed due to government limitations and directives, which led to a decline in flu cases. Nevertheless, as the limitations loosened, individuals returned to their previous behaviours, which increased the number of flu cases last winter. As a result, we need enhanced protection against this infection, which can be supplied by the yearly vaccination recommended by the WHO.

Young children between the ages of 2 and 6 years, pregnant women, elderly people, people with pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, pneumonia, or those undergoing prolonged treatments like cancer and dialysis are at a higher risk of contracting the flu. This was highlighted in an interview with HT Lifestyle by Dr. (Major) Rajesh Bhardwaj, Consultant on Practo. The annual flu shot becomes a top priority for these people before the virus's seasonal debut.

"After two years of coping with the pandemic, most of us are now well aware that respiratory viruses like Covid-19 are capable of fast mutation that affect the infection rate and severity," he remarked when discussing the need for an annual flu shot. Similar to other viruses, the influenza virus mutates annually and new strains are spread during each flu season. The majority of respiratory viruses are winter viruses, which are more contagious during the chilly winter months. To guard against the strains that are anticipated to predominate in any given year, flu vaccine producers create annual flu shots. To defend against the common flu virus strains, these yearly vaccinations should be received each year..

The annual flu shot is safe to administer to anyone older than six months. For the best protection, children receiving the flu vaccine for the first time may require two doses, spaced four weeks apart.