Influenza also is known as flu in most cases is not a serious illness. However, it is advised to get vaccinated against the disease. This contagious respiratory infection is caused by viruses and is an airborne disease. Both Flu and cold can occur to anyone and anytime. The difference is Flu comes with fever and chills unlike cold. But the chances for complications in flu can be serious in old aged, pregnant women, babies, and chronic illnesses patients.
My Personal Views About Influenza Vaccine As A Mother
We always had a question “Should I give my baby a flu shot?” The answer is yes! I being a mother had to make a decision that involved multiple benefits like Prevention of Flu. Influenza Vaccine has actually worked as the best defense against the flu & also from spreading it to others in the school, play areas, etc. Giving my baby flu shots has definitely worked to reduce flu illnesses and often doctor’s visits.
Recently I got an invite to attend a very informative bloggers meet for ‘Mothers Against Influenza’ #MomVsFlu. This happened to raise awareness about influenza in India. We got a chance to interact with the renowned Doctors and a Celeb Mom- Genelia Deshmukh
Dr. Mukesh Gupta – Gynecologist/ Obstetrician
He holds a 16 years rich experience in this field and does practices in Mumbai. Also, He has been a topper in University at the MD Ob/Gyn Examination and awarded with the ‘Emerging Star of Medicine’ by IMA MWSB in 2011. Follow him on twitter @drmukeshgupta
Dr. Uday Ananth Pai – Pediatrician (MD, DCH Distinction)
He has 29 years of work experience in his fields. In addition h,e has also provided decision support to many leading global healthcare & pharmaceutical organizations. Currently, he practices in Mumbai. Follow him on twitter @doc_upai
Furthermore, we got to meet and talk with Bollywood actress and mother of two kids Genelia Deshmukh. She expressed her support for the influenza awareness and causes. Follow Genelia Deshmukh twitter account @geneliad
Let’s check some common #MomVsFlu: Facts and myths on the Influenza Vaccine answered by Dr. UdayAnanthPai, Dr. Mukesh Gupta and Genelia Deshmukh
- Common cold is the same as flu?
No, Influenza is very different and we should not mistake them for each other. Both Flu and cold can occur to anyone and anytime. The difference is Flu comes with fever and chills unlike cold. But the chances for complications in flu can be serious in old aged, pregnant women, babies, and chronic illnesses patients.
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- I am healthy and I won’t catch a cold or influenza
Everyone is susceptible to flu and our body is exposed to various risks on a daily basis.
- We are going on a vacation tomorrow and hence will take Vaccines today
Influenza vaccination may take 4 to 6 weeks for building complete immunity
- Flu vaccine during delivery time will help prevent influenza
It is advised to take the flu vaccine, even before you can get pregnant. A healthy body will help bring a healthy baby. Thus, preconception vaccine is very important. Pregnant moms can also take the influenza vaccine at any time during their pregnancy. It is safe, as explained by Dr. Mukesh
- Best time of year to take flu vaccine for school going kids
Take it just before the schools reopen. It is advised for both children and moms. April, May, June is considered the best period to take influenza vaccination for the whole family and children for prevention against flu.
- Only a child needs a flu vaccine, as they are more vulnerable to flu, cold and cough
Even a mom can infect her child with flu! So moms, please get yourself vaccinated! It’s important to be protected and get the whole family vaccinated.
Dr. Mukesh Mehta spoke on Samuhik Vaccination. Flu can spread by touching, coughing and sneezing, from flu-infected person to babies and cause tiredness and headache. Hence, everyone in the family like parents, grandparents & caretakers must get vaccinated.
- Best time to take influenza vaccination is during any epidemic like swine flu breaks out
Dr. Uday Pai said, Vaccines may take 4 to 6 weeks in developing complete immunity in one’s body. Hence it is advised to take influenza vaccination before any epidemic like swine flu breaks out.
How flu spreads?
Flu can spreads when People with flu sneeze, cough, talk or even breathe. As said by Genelia Deshmukh, “My elder child may carry a flu virus and my younger child may get infected. So it is important to protect them both and get the whole family vaccinated. Also it is important that all mothers meet their paediatricians, gynaecologist to get all flu related queries answered and stay protected with vaccination. She also explained, “No mother must be a Worrier, she’s a Warrior. Best way to tackle your questions about flu is to talking to your doctor.”
For more Influenza Information Visit MAI Website, You can also Find a Doctor – every locality has Vaccinating Doctors and you can do a simple search by typing your area pincode.
Disclaimer: ‘I attended a discussion on influenza awareness facilitated by Abbott India Limited. Any opinion expressed in this blog is my personal opinion and not the opinion of Abbott India Limited. Abbott India Limited does not assume any liability for the content of the blog. The blog post is not meant to be a replacement for a doctor consultation, nor is it a medical recommendation or prescription of treatment for babies having Influenza. Any reader of this blog or their family members suffering from Influenza should specifically consult his/her doctor for the same and follow the suggested course of treatment.”