Mudassir Ahmad
Srinagar Oct 07 : As winter approaches, experts in Kashmir are advising people to get flu vaccinations to prevent a potential surge in viral infections, especially influenza strains like H1N1.
Flu shots, which are widely recognized as the best defense against influenza, are particularly important in cold regions like Kashmir, which is prone to H1N1 outbreaks during the colder months.
Dr Mohammad Shafi, a physician, emphasized the importance of vaccination, especially for those most at risk, including people above 50 and children under five. “Vaccination is crucial for individuals with chronic conditions such as lung, heart, liver, kidney, or neurological disorders, as well as those on chemotherapy, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, diabetics, the obese, and healthcare workers,” he said.
Dr. Shafi recommended getting vaccinated in October, as it takes 2-3 weeks to develop the necessary antibodies for protection. “It’s best to get an annual flu shot around this time, as the peak of cases like H1N1 tends to occur in winter and spring,” he added.
Symptoms of H1N1, according to Dr. Shafi, include cold, fever, headaches, body aches, and muscle pain. However, he stressed that these symptoms don’t always indicate H1N1, as they can also be caused by milder colds or seasonal flu.
Another doctor from SKIMS Soura advised the public to maintain good hygiene as a key preventive measure. While H1N1 is typically not fatal for healthy individuals, those with respiratory issues like asthma, elderly people, and those with chronic illnesses should take extra precautions. “People in these groups should take their medications and ensure they receive the flu vaccine to reduce the risk of H1N1,” the doctor explained.
Flu shots, according to health professionals, are critical in reducing both the morbidity and mortality associated with influenza. “Those who succumbed to H1N1 in recent years were often already suffering from other severe conditions like leukemia, malignancies, sepsis, acute respiratory syndrome, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which weakened their immune systems,” the SKIMS doctor said.
With flu vaccines readily available, doctors are urging the public to prioritize getting vaccinated, especially before the full onset of winter, to protect against influenza and its potential complications. (KINS)
