Vaccination most effective in preventing flu infections

Delhi: Transmission of influenza (flu) virus happens through the nose and respiratory tract particularly when kids share close quarters like they do in school classrooms. Children younger than five years are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications, hence flu vaccination should be made an integral part of the child’s back to school plan.

Highlighting the need for the influenza vaccine, Dr SK Sehgal, Paediatrician, Dr Sehgal's Clinic, Delhi, said, “Influenza is a contagious viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Common symptoms include fever, cough, aches, and chills. Though the symptoms seem to mimic the common cold to some extent, if left untreated, flu can be dangerous, especially for the young ( 65 years), and those with chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma. If not taken suitable care, flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia and may result in hospitalisation.”

Dr Sehgal added, “Due to following covid appropriate behaviours and lockdowns, there has been a decrease in the overall disease incidence, however resurgence of the disease is still possible. Children are now going out to school and play with each other, resulting in greater exposure. Though wearing a mask and using a sanitiser are standard precautions that should continue to be maintained, vaccination remains the most effective in preventing infectious diseases like flu. In India, flu peaks during the monsoon, making May the ideal time to get a flu shot.”

As per WHO, India comes under the tropical Asia zone. This means that a peak in influenza cases is observed between summer and pre-monsoons, therefore, the ideal time to vaccinate starts from April as this gives enough time for antibodies to develop in the body and protect against flu.

The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) recommends co-administration of COVID-19 vaccine along with other scheduled childhood vaccines, such as flu vaccine. This coupled with covid appropriate behaviours of masking and sanitising should protect the child from seasonal infections.

Flu can result in up to 35 per cent increase in OPD visits and excess hospitalisation in children. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent flu infection, which affects at least four out of 10 children in the pre-school age and a minimum of three out of 10 children in the age group of six to 12 years, during outbreaks. So parents should make sure the kid’s vaccination schedules are up-to-date and the entire family is vaccinated against influenza. To protect kids against infection is essential in the developing years as it may impact on their growth.