National Influenza Vaccination Week: Why is Vaccine Important Against Influenza?

National Influenza Vaccination Week is observed in the last month of the year between December 6 and 12. It helps to provide a gentle reminder to you to take your influenza vaccination shot. Since winter is a time when the flu virus is active, you can protect yourself by taking this vaccine. When you are not able to manage influenza on time, it can lead to severe health complications like pneumonia.

To know more about influenza and how the National Influenza Vaccination Week is observed, read on.

How Is Influenza Caused?

Influenza or flu is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. This virus usually infects your throat and nose. In some cases, it can affect your lungs as well [1]. While the infection may be mild in some cases, it can become severe and fatal too. The flu virus spreads from one person to others through tiny droplets. As influenza is a respiratory illness, you may get the disease if an infected person talks, sneezes or coughs in front of you. In case you touch a surface with the virus on it and later touch your eyes, mouth or nose, you are also likely to contract this infection.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Influenza?

Influenza Vaccination Week helps create awareness about flu symptoms. Some of the signs of influenza include [2]:

• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Headaches
• Cough
• Fever
• Tiredness

Though vomiting and diarrhea are also flu symptoms, they are commonly seen in children. Most flu signs resemble symptoms of cold, and both are caused by viruses. However, in case of influenza, symptoms can make you weak and worsen your condition if not treated on time. When these symptoms are worsening, your fever increases and you may experience breathing difficulty.

How Is Influenza Diagnosed and Treated?

If your doctor suspects you have influenza based on your symptoms, you may be asked to undergo a blood test. With the help of this, doctors can detect the influenza virus in your blood. Before recommending the blood test, your physician may do a physical examination. Polymerase chain reaction is another test that accurately helps in identification of the influenza strain.

For influenza treatment, you may be given certain antiviral drugs. Taking sufficient rest and drinking plenty of fluids may help you ease the symptoms. With proper sleep, your immune system gets the strength to fight the infection. Drink fluids like soups, water and juice to prevent your body from getting dehydrated.

The best way you can protect yourself from influenza is through vaccination. The National Flu Vaccination Week creates awareness and emphasizes on the importance of flu vaccines. These vaccines are safe and effective. Vaccines reduce the severity of the illness thereby lowering the incidence of death.

According to WHO, annual flu vaccination is a must for the following people:

• People suffering from chronic health conditions
• Children between the age groups of 6 months and 5 years
• Senior citizens over the age of 65 years
• Healthcare workers
• Women who are pregnant

How is National Influenza Week Observed?

National Influenza Vaccination Week 2021 serves as a reminder for everyone to take their flu shots. Health organizations use the tagline #FightFlu to highlight the importance of timely vaccination on social media. Next year, the National Influenza Vaccination Week will also continue with the awareness program and inspire people to get vaccinated against influenza.

Now that you know the importance of preventing flu during winters, remember to get yourself vaccinated against this respiratory illness. In case you observe any symptoms, connect to doctors on Bajaj Finserv Health. Book an appointment within minutes for online doctor consultation and address all your concerns on time. If you are looking for a health insurance plan, choose from Bajaj Finserv Health’s Aarogya Care plans to meet your unexpected and planned medical expenses. They allow you to get the best medical care more affordably and conveniently.