WINTER is around the corner and with that comes influenza season.
“People usually develop influenza suddenly. Symptoms include fever, cough, headaches, a runny or blocked nose, body aches or tiredness,” said Chitra Bodasing, ER24 spokesman. “While some people are able to treat mild influenza at home, others need to visit a doctor. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalised. Don’t let influenza get you down.”
ER24 is urges Highway residents to visit their local pharmacy or healthcare centre to get the influenza vaccine in preparation for the flu season. “While the season has not yet begun, it is recommended that people receive the influenza vaccine as soon as it becomes available to ensure they are protected,” said Bodasing.
She noted that it can take up to two weeks for protective antibodies to develop after the vaccination is received.
She noted that everyone should be vaccinated but highlighted several high risk groups that should be prioritised: children between the ages of six months and five years old, adults and children who come into contact with those who are high-risk, people above 65 years old, adults and children who receive medical care for or who have conditions such as diabetes, chronic pulmonary or cardiac disease, chronic renal diseases, pregnant women (irrespective of the stage of pregnancy), women who are still within two weeks after delivery and healthcare workers, due to the nature of their work.
