Hyderabad: While seasonal flu infections have become common with almost every hospital reporting an increase in cases, the vaccine for such infections, despite being inexpensive and easily available, is not widely used. Doctors blame this on a lack of public awareness as well as the fact that it must be taken annually.
These infections are typically mild and self-limiting, often resolving without any treatment, but they can become severe in high-risk groups. The influenza vaccine protects against influenza A, B, and H1N1 (swine flu) viruses. Although influenza A and B are both mild, H1N1 can be fatal.
Dr Aarathi Bellary, consultant physician at Amor Hospitals, stated that many people do not take the vaccine because, first, there is little awareness of it, and second, most infections are self-limiting and not life-threatening. Doctors, on the other hand, insist on high-risk groups, such as the elderly and children, receiving the shot.
According to Dr Aarathi, the swine flu epidemic in the country in 2009 was severe, but did not reach those levels in the subsequent years. She stated that Amor Hospitals receives suspected swine flu cases in the emergency department on a daily basis.
Dr K. Shivaraj, consultant general physician at KIMS Hospitals, stated that while people are generally aware of the vaccine's availability, not everyone is aware that it must be taken every year. He stated that diabetic patients, people with lung problems, asthma patients, smokers, and others may be at risk from flu cases.
"We usually advise such people to get the vaccine, and if it's the monsoon and we see some severe cases, we advise others as well. The flu is usually self-limiting, but if it progresses to a lung infection or pneumonia, it can be dangerous, even for young people, according to Dr Shivaraj.
Who is at risk?
Diabetic patients
People with lung problems
Asthma patients and smokers
Doctor’s prescription
High-risk groups such as the elderly and children should take vaccine
Why vaccines important?
Antibodies form in the body weeks after receiving a flu vaccine
These antibodies protect against infection with influenza viruses that are currently in circulation
