It’s that time of year again when the flu is commonplace; we only have to glance around our office to spot those unfortunate people who are nursing tissue boxes. This week we speak to the experts to find out more about this pesky illness and what steps we can take to avoid getting sick this winter
According to Dr Susan Bowman MBBS from the Harley Street Medical Centre, influenza commonly known as flu is preventable.
What exactly is influenza and what are the symptoms?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can lead to mild or severe sickness and in some cases can lead to death. The good news is – flu is preventable. And the best way to avoid the flu is to get the flu vaccine once a year.
People suffering from flu will usually come down with some or all of the following symptoms; cough, sore throat, runny or stuffed nose, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue. Some people will develop a fever, feel feverish or have chills but be aware not everyone with flu will have fever. Others may come down with vomiting or diarrhoea although this is a lot more common in children than adults.
How does the flu spread?
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. Unfortunately, if the people who are nearby come into contact with these droplets, this can result in those people contracting flu. Less often, a person may touch an object or surface that has the flu virus on it and then touch his or her own mouth, eyes or nose.
You mentioned flu is preventable by vaccine. Who should get vaccinated?
Everyone from the age of six months and up should get the flu vaccine annually. Actually this recommendation has been in place since 24th February last year when the Centre for Disease Control’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP) voted for ‘universal’ flu vaccination in the US to expand protection against flu to more people.
Of course, while everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, some people are more vulnerable than others and are at risk of developing serious flu-related complications or else they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications. Those people should make it a priority to get the vaccine.
Flu vaccines are available from some GPs and we do offer the flu jab here at the Harley Street Medical Centre. I specialise in child’s health and family medicine and am happy to answer any questions that you may have about this vaccine.
For more information call 02 613 3999 or visit www.hsmc.ae
