India has reported at least 3 deaths associated with H3N2 this season. Of the last few severe influenza seasons, most were caused by H3N2, the last it affected was the United States in 2018, this season unfortunately is India’s turn. In India, the pollution being heavy worsen the effects of the flu if caught. Hence it is important to know what you can do to prevent catching the flu, what you can do if you do catch it and recover.
Influenza, also commonly known as the flu, is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs, all of which are part of the respiratory system. It is a viral fever and not bacterial.
Usually the infected get better on their own, but sometimes the symptoms can be deadly for some.
There are 4 types of influenza viruses that occur seasonally, these are types A, B, C and D
The influenza virus occur seasonally due to the changes in the environment, they must be able to endure a variety of environmental changes, therefore the effects of the environment on the survival of the virus have long been the most important factor related to the seasonality of the virus.
Seasonal influenza begins with a sudden onset of fever, dry cough, headache, body ache, sore throat and a runny nose. The cough usually lasts two or more weeks. Most individuals usually recover by themselves from the symptoms in a week or so without requiring too much medical attention. But influenza could cause serious/ fatal issues or even death in a few people that are at high risk. Hospitalization occur mainly in high risk groups, the groups are listed down below:
Please visit a doctor before taking any medication if you are in a high-risk group.
The most effective way of preventing the flu is vaccination (NORMS Home Health Care) can provide you with the vaccine during the vaccine drive, contact us or make an appointment to further inquire). Safe and effective vaccines have been used for more than 60 years and have proven to be effective.
The vaccines are released by the WHO twice a year due to the constant evolving nature of the virus. They are available in India usually in between the months of August and September, it is recommended that the vaccines are taken annually before October(once a year) to protect yourself against influenza, they are one of the most commonly utilized vaccinations in the world.
There are two types of vaccines usually released, these are the trivalent and quadrivalent vaccines. The quadrivalent vaccine contains two influenza type B antigens while the trivalent contains only one antigen. The quadrivalent vaccine had proved to be more effective. Dosage should be limited to one a year of one of these vaccines.
One common misinterpretation about the vaccines is that it would prevent the infection all together, however that is not the truth. It does reduce the risk of catching the illness, but if the illness is caught, the vaccine will reduce the severity of the disease and incidence of complications and death, it is highly recommended for people in the high-risk category or the people surrounding them.
Annual vaccine is recommended for everyone, but is most recommended for:
Apart from vaccines, one could practice personal protective measures as well:
Flu vaccines can give the flu infection – this is not true since the vaccine is prepared from the dead virus or from a single protein from the virus. The nasal spray vaccine has live virus but they also do not cause acute viral infections
Is it better to get sick with flu to get natural immunity – this is a strong misconception and getting sick with flu does not give natural immunity and having the flu vaccine and preventing the illness is a safer choice.
Is one shot of vaccine enough and yearly not needed – Flu vaccines have to be taken every year to avoid the illness and ger “optimal” protection against the illness. Flu virus strains are constantly changing and hence every year the WHO prescribes the right strains for optimal protection.
By taking the Flu vaccine does it make you susceptible to other respiratory infections – NO, flu shots don’t make you susceptible for other respiratory infections.
Does flu vaccine make you susceptible for COVID 19 – NO, studies have revealed that flu vaccines do not make you susceptible for COVID 19 infection.
In children:
In adults:
During the unfortunate situation where the flu virus escalates, your doctor would usually prescribe antiviral drugs. These antiviral drugs would usually help you recover faster and may also prevent serious complications.
Common antiviral prescriptions include: These drugs should never be taken without consulting the specialist.
Despite their effectiveness, these drugs might have negative side effects including nausea and vomiting. Stop using the medicine and see your doctor right away if you start to develop any of these symptoms or if your condition worsens.
The use of over-the-counter medicine can also lower the flu symptoms. Keep yourself hydrated to help your immune system and loosen up any mucus in your chest.
The infection is contagious in a person if they have the flu from at least one day before starting to feel sick to five days after their symptoms begin.
In more serious circumstances, you might continue to be contagious even after feeling symptoms. This number may vary if your immune system is underdeveloped or weak, particularly in children and older adults.
To protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu infection, contact our number to register yourself for a vaccine during our vaccine drive.
“Types of Influenza Viruses | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2 Dec. 2022,
“Flu Symptoms & Diagnosis | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 Nov. 2021,
