Influenza, also known as flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza is not the same as common cold, as they are caused by different viruses and can have varying symptoms and severity. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. It can cause mild to severe illness, and can even lead to hospitalization or, in some cases, even death.
Annual flu Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza (seasonal flu and swine flu).
* Two doses starting 6 weeks are recommended to be given at a gap of 4 weeks in the first year of life followed by an annual shot. Please consult your doctor or a vaccine expert to get more information on dosage and schedules.
Flu vaccination is recommended for all children above the age of 6 months to protect them from seasonal flu and swine flu virus (H1N1). It is generally given as two doses at a gap of 4 weeks in the first year of life, followed by a single dose annually. Consult your doctor or INVC vaccine expert to get more information on dosage and scheduling of the vaccination.
Single shot of latest available flu vaccine is recommended annually for all adults to protect them from seasonal flu and swine flu virus (H1N1). Consult your doctor or INVC vaccine expert to get more information on dosage and scheduling of the vaccination.
India has almost round-the-year circulation of influenza viruses with seasonal peaks during monsoon and winter seasons. Hence its best to take the flu shot at least two weeks before the start of the flu season i.e., during the pre-monsoon period. However, individuals can receive the flu shot at any time during the year if they have not received it during pre-monsoon period. Getting vaccinated against the flu is always a good idea, no matter the time of year.
It’s never too late to get vaccinated.
If you have missed taking the flu shot last year or any previous year, now is the time to get vaccinated with the latest available vaccine. Flu viruses mutate every year, so an updated vaccine is made available to fight the currently circulating virus. Don't wait any longer - book a consultation with your doctor or INVC vaccine expert today to learn more about vaccination options and protect yourself against the flu.
The cost of Flu vaccination depends on factors such as the type of vaccine, brand, manufacturer, applicable taxes and the vaccination service provider. On an average, the cost of one dose of Flu vaccination ranges between Rs 2000 to Rs 2500. It's best to check with your vaccination provider to get an accurate and updated estimate of the cost.
Vaccination at home offers a convenient, accessible and safe way to protect you and your family from the flu. It allows individuals to receive the vaccine in a familiar environment, reducing potential anxiety or discomfort associated with visiting a clinic. Home vaccination not only saves time and effort, it also minimizes exposure to potential infections in crowded healthcare settings. INVC vaccine experts can help you with availability and scheduling of flu vaccine at home in Dehradun
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that primarily target the nose, throat, and occasionally the lungs.
Flu viruses can be classified into two main types, namely type A and type B, based on their genetic material differences. The H1N1 flu, sometimes called swine flu, is a type of influenza A virus.
The influenza A and B viruses that routinely spread in people are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year.
The flu spreads mainly through droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can land on nearby surfaces or be breathed in by people who are close by. The flu virus can also be spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching one's nose, mouth, or eyes. It is important to wash hands regularly, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid close contact with sick people to prevent the spread of flu. People with flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins, and may be able to spread flu to someone else before you know you are sick.
The symptoms of flu can vary, but they usually include:
• Sudden onset of fever and chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body ache
• Headache
• Fatigue
Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhoea, although this is more common in children than adults. It's important to note that not everyone with the flu will experience all these symptoms, and some people may have mild symptoms or none at all.
It can be difficult to differentiate between the flu and the common cold based solely on symptoms since they share many similarities. However, the flu is generally more severe and tends to come on suddenly, while the common cold typically develops gradually.
Some of the common symptoms of the flu, that are less commonly associated with a cold, include high fever, body aches, and fatigue. Additionally, the flu may cause more severe complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections. If you are unsure whether you have the flu or a cold, it is best to consult a Doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Unlike common cold, flu is a serious disease that can lead to complications and even death, particularly in certain groups. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. It's important to take the flu seriously and take measures to prevent its spread and protect those who are most vulnerable.
All individuals have the risk of getting the flu. However, certain groups of people are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu.
These groups include:
· Young children, especially those under the age of 5
· Adults over the age of 65
· Pregnant women
· People with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart disease, CKD, etc.
· People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or taking immunosuppressant drugs
· Healthcare workers and caregivers who come into contact with flu patients
· People living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
The best way to prevent flu is to get an Annual flu shot. Recommended by national and international health experts, vaccination is the most effective way to prevent flu and control its spread.
Some other preventive measures include:
· Avoid close contact with sick people
· Cover your nose and mouth with a mask
· Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
· Work from home or take a leave from school if you are sick and avoid contact with others to reduce spread of the virus
The flu vaccine is safe and effective. The flu vaccine undergoes rigorous testing and approval processes by regulatory authorities before being made available to the public. The quadrivalent flu vaccine, available in India, is approved in more than 100 countries and taken by millions of people around the globe every year. Like all vaccines, it may cause some side effects, such as soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever, and aches. These side effects are usually mild and go away within a day or two. However, serious side effects are rare. It is important to note that getting the flu vaccine is much safer than getting the flu itself, which can lead to severe illness, complications and even hospitalization.
The flu vaccine can provide several benefits for healthy individuals:
• Reduce sickness and isolation: Protection against the flu from currently circulating strains reduces the likelihood of getting sick and missing out on planned events or important schedules. This also allows individuals to spend more time with their loved ones and family members
• Cost savings: Flu Vaccination helps to reduce healthcare costs by avoiding medical visits, hospitalization, reducing use of antibiotics, and other expenses associated with treating the flu or its complications
• Improved productivity: Flu vaccination can help individuals to stay healthy and avoid missing out on work/ school
• Extend protection to vulnerable individuals: Healthy individuals are less likely to spread the virus to others
• Reduced severity of illness: Even if the healthy individual does get sick with the flu after getting vaccinated, they are less likely to experience complications or require hospitalization
• Avoid isolation: Reduce likelihood of missing out from planned events/ important schedule and spend time with their loved ones/families
Getting an annual flu shot is a wise decision for everyone.
The flu virus changes constantly, and the vaccine is updated annually to provide protection against the most common strains of the virus for that flu season. Additionally, immunity from the vaccine wanes over time, so getting a flu shot every year is important for maintaining protection.
Yes, the flu vaccination is a cost-effective way to prevent the disease. The cost of the vaccine is relatively low compared to the cost of treating the flu or its complications, such as hospitalization and lost productivity. Additionally, the vaccine can help prevent the spread of the flu, which can also reduce the overall economic burden of the disease.
The influenza vaccine cannot cause influenza as it only contains killed virus fragments or a part of the virus. Influenza-like symptoms such as mild fever and muscle aches may occur in less than 1% of people after vaccination, but they are not the same as having the actual disease.
You can get the flu vaccination by making an appointment with your doctor. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment at your nearest INVC Vaccination centre or request a home visit by the INVC Vaccination team to receive the vaccine at your convenience.
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