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.