About Influenza (Flu)
What is the Influenza (Flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, affecting the nose, throat, and lungs. It can lead to serious illness, particularly for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic health issues like diabetes or heart disease.
Importance of Flu Vaccination
Annual flu shots significantly reduce the risk of flu and its complications across all age groups (6 months and older). Vaccination is especially crucial for high-risk individuals, as it can prevent severe complications, hospitalizations, and protect vulnerable community members, including young infants who are too young for vaccination.
For flu vaccination, it is recommended annually for everyone aged 6 months and older, especially for children, seniors, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
FAQs
Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, leading to symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue.
The flu virus spreads mainly through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face.
Common symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes a cough. Symptoms can vary in severity.
While both are respiratory illnesses, the flu generally has more intense symptoms, such as high fever and body aches, whereas colds are milder with runny noses and sneezing.
Yes, flu can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, especially in high-risk groups, including young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Higher-risk groups include infants, elderly adults, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
Annual flu vaccination, practicing good hygiene (e.g., frequent handwashing), avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent repeated infections.
Yes, the flu vaccine is considered safe for most people. Mild side effects like soreness at the injection site may occur, but serious reactions are very rare.
Yes, even healthy individuals benefit from the flu vaccine as it reduces their risk of infection and helps prevent spreading the virus to others, including those at higher risk.
It’s best to get vaccinated before flu season, usually by late October, to ensure the body has time to build immunity.
Yes, children over 6 months should get vaccinated annually, as they are at higher risk of flu complications and help prevent the virus from spreading in schools and homes.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance, please contact our Team at social@jivikahealthcare.com or call on +91 9503047860, +91 9503047861
Stay informed. Stay protected. Stay healthy.
