FLU

Each year 5 to 15% of adults and 15 to 42% of children will catch flu despite the fact that there is an efficient way to prevent it : VACCINATION

What Is Flu?

Influenza or flu, is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. Flu is often called a respiratory disease, but it affects the whole body.

The Infection:

• begins suddenly
  


• may lead to symptoms that last for more than 2 weeks
  


• may keep you in bed for 5 to 10 days
  


• can disrupt your work life or holiday plans
  


• can result in serious complications in high risk individuals

If Flu The Same As Cold ?

Flu and cold are two different disease. It is quite easy to differentiate the two. Unlike a cold, flu causes severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people.

How Can I Catch Flu ?

Flu is very contagious. You can catch it from someone who is sneezing or coughing; from close contact with someone who has flu or from touching contaminated objects and transferring virus to the respiratory system.

Who Is At Risk ?

Anyone can catch flu. Being fit and healthy does not stop you from getting it. You can also unknowingly infect others, as it takes 1 - 4 days for symptoms to appear.

Some people are at an increased risk of developing life-threatening complications if they contract flu, for example the elderly, adults and children who have asthma, lung disease, diabetes, heart problems etc.

Is Flu Dangerous Among The Elderly People ?

Yes. If an elderly person is infected with the flu virus, the chances of suffering from chest complications are high. As many as 73% of people over 70 years of age, and 36% of elderly between 60-69 years of age will suffer from chest complications if infected with the flu virus.

Is It Possible To Prevent Flu ?

Yes, it is possible to prevent flu through vaccination. The efficacy of flu vaccines has been clinically proven. 7 out of 10 people who take the vaccines are protected. For the other three, they do get flu and the symptoms will be mild. Many countries all over the world recommend flu vaccination during the flu season.

Can Children Be Vaccinated Against Flu ?

Yes, The vaccines can be given to children as young as 6 months.

If Flu Vaccine Safe ?

The vaccine will not give you flu. It contains noninfectious parts of killed viruses, that merely alerts the body to the threat of the virus. Flu vaccines are well tolerated and safe. The most frequently associated reaction is mild soreness at the injection site that may last for 24 to 48 hours. If you have allergy to eggs, you cannot take the flu vaccine.

Why Should I Get A Flu Shot Every Year ?

The flu viruses are constantly changing. Generally, new influenza virus strains circulate every flu season, so each year, before flu season, the most active viruses are identified by WHO. The identified are then included in a new vaccine formula in order to offer the strains best protection.

When Is The Best Time To Get A Flu Vaccination ?

Anytime is the best time to vaccinate although it is highly recommended to vaccinate before the peak flu activities. It usually takes 10 - 15 days for a person to obtain adequate immunity after the flu vaccination. Ask your doctor today for the most updated flu vaccine available and get yourself vaccinated in order to protect yourself against the latest flu virus circulating.

What Will Flu Vaccination Do For Me ?

• Life-saving for those with severe lung problem, severe asthma and diabetes problems (especially if you are an elderly at the age of 65 years and above, with one of these diseases)
  


• Avoidance of illness and hospitalization
  


• Avoidance of absenteeism from work or spoiling holidays
  Reduction of the risk of spreading flu to your loved ones, family members, friends, or co-workers.

Vaccination is your best defence against flu. Ask your doctor for more information about flu vaccination and the preservative (mercury) free flu vaccine.

Hepatitis A & Typhoid Fever

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A causes inflammation that affect your liver's ability to function. In most cases of Hepatitis A, the liver heals completely in a few months. In rare cases, fulminant hepatitis (a life threatening condition that causes liver failure) may develop.

Typhoid fever is caused by bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. If Typhoid is not treated, it can kill up to 30% of people who get it. Some people who get Typhoid become carriers, and they can spread the disease to others.

Generally, people get Hepatitis A & Typhoid from contaminated food or water.

How is Hepatitis A & Typhoid Spread?

You can get Hepatitis A & Typhoid if you consume:

• Unhygienic food or drinks


• Uncooked food, seafood or shellfish


• Food or drinks that have been handled by a person who is shedding the Hepatitis A & Typhoid germ
  

You may even get Hepatitis A & Typhoid when you do simple daily activities like brushing your teeth in the morning. Once the germs are eaten or drunk, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream. The body reacts with fever and other signs and symptoms.


What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A & Typhoid?

Hepatitis A Three of every four persons infected with Hepatitis A virus have symptoms. Symptoms of Hepatitis A are as such:

• Fever


• Tiredness


• Loss of appetite


• Nausea


• Abdominal pain


• Dark urine


• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
  

Adults have symptoms more often then children. A person is most infectious about one week before symptoms appear and during the first week after symptoms appear. However, an infected person who has no symptoms can still spread the virus. Hepatitis A disease is sometimes deadly.

Typhoid

Persons with Typhoid usually have a sustained fever as high as 39 to 40 C. They may also feel weak, or have stomach pains, headache or loss of appetite. In some cases, patients have a rash of flat, rose-colored spots.

Typhoid fever's danger does not end when symptoms disappear. Even if your symptoms seem to go away, you may still be carrying the bacteria. If so, the illness could return, or you could pass the disease to other people.


Who is at risk ?

Hepatitis A & Typhoid are common in most parts of the world. Therefore, if you are travelling to the developing countries, you should consider taking precautions. Over the past 10 years, travellers to Asia (especially China, India, Vietnam, Combodia, Thailand), Africa and Latin America have been especially at risk.

People who share a household with someone who has Hepatitis A or Typhoid and military personnels are also exposed to the disease.


How Can You Prevent Hepatitis A & Typhoid?

Three basic actions can protect you from Hepatitis A & Typhoid:

1. Avoid suspicious/unhygienic food and drinks

2. Practise good personal hygiene like washing your hands frequently

3. Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A & Typhoid


Watching what you eat and drink when you travel is as important as being vaccinated. Avoiding risky food will also help to protect you from other illnesses, including traverllers' diarrhoea and cholera.


Who Should Get Hepatitis A & Typhoid Vaccination?

Hepatitis A & Typhoid vaccination are recommended for:

• Travellers and students to parts of the world where Hepatitis A and Typhoid are common


• Food handlers


• People who share a household with someone who has Hepatitis A or Typhoid


• Military personnel
  

Hepatitis A vaccination is also recommended for those with chronic Hepatitis or other chronic liver diseases.