#MomVsFlu: Influenza- A Mom’s Guide
What is Influenza Flu
It is a contagious respiratory illness which basically infects the nose, throat and lungs and is caused by influenza viruses. It is a very common infection having more than 10 million cases reported in India. But a lot of us treat it is as a common cold due to unawareness.
Sometime back, I happened to get this opportunity to attend Influenza awareness bloggers meet. The meet which stressed on awareness of Influenza, the risk involved and how to prevent ourselves. Especially the high-risk groups like pregnant ladies and young kids. The event threw light on various facets of Influenza and busted a lot of myths and ignorance around it.
Influenza Awareness team – Panel
Dr Mukesh Gupta, a Gynaecologist/Obstetrician, with over 16 years of experience. And Dr UdaiPai, a Paediatrician (MD, DCH Distinction) with 29 years of work experience. These two highly qualified doctors were present at the event and gave their valuable insights on influenza. They also talked about its symptoms and why should we not treat it like a common cold. finally concluded on how can we prevent ourselves and our families.
Along with them, actress Genelia Deshmukh graced the event with her presence. She also shared her views and experiences on influenza as a mom. She suggested that- All mothers must go meet their paediatricians and gynaecologist. And get all questions answered about flu and stay protected with vaccination.
We too have experienced it
Last year, my neighbour’s preschooler got infected by his playschool. Her parents misunderstood it for a common cold. After a few days when her condition worsened, she had to be hospitalized only to our realization, it was an extreme outburst of flu. However, the condition was brought under control upon hospitalization. This could’ve been avoided, had we been more aware of Flu vaccinations.
So to help you out, I am listing out some important learnings from the meet.
Influenza isn’t Common Cold
- We should note that the flu is different from a common cold. The flu presents itself suddenly and spreads easily. The common symptoms of Influenza are –Fever or feeling feverish/chills, Cough, Sore Throat. Also include Runny or Stuffy Nose, Muscles or Body Aches, Headaches along with Tiredness.
- Flu is highly contagious and spreads not only by Coughing and Sneezing. But also when coming in contact with the infected surfaces and objects. i.e People with flu can spread it to others for up to about six feet away. These Flu viruses spread mainly through tiny droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks near you. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of nearby people and inhale into the lungs. We can be exposed to flu at all public places by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it. And then touching our mouth, eyes, or nose with the same hands.
- Some possible preventive measures would be Covering nose and mouth with a tissue while coughing or sneezing. Frequently washing hands with soap and water or using a sanitizer. And the most important and effective would be getting vaccinations for the pregnant woman or for children less than 5 years of age.
- Special Attention to High-Risk Groups: Since Children, less than 5 years of age and pregnant women are at a low immunity level. They are the ones being more prone to Flu. Dr Mukesh Gupta gave a solution- “Go take a flu vaccine, even before you can get pregnant. Only a healthy body can bring a healthy baby. Preconception vaccine is important.” He also clarified that “Pregnant moms can take the influenza vaccine at any time during their pregnancy. It is absolutely safe.”
- Samuhik Vaccination– Dr Mukesh made a very valid point. As Flu spreads when Flu affected people are touching, coughing, sneezing around babies. So it’s best that families – parents, grandparents and even caretakers of the babies get vaccinated.
When is the right time to take Influenza Shot
The Doctors also highlighted that the timing to take the vaccination is also important. The ideal time is before the school reopens. “We should not wait till last day before the opening of school and go for vaccinations. As the Vaccines may take 4 to 6 weeks to develop complete immunity in your body. So you must take it before any epidemic like swine flu breaks out, Said Dr Pai.
Dr Pai Speaking at the event- “April, May, June is the best period to take influenza vaccination. Especially for children and the whole family for complete prevention against flu.”
Genelia – “No mother must be a Worrier, she’s a Warrior. Best way to tackle your questions about flu is to talk to your doctor.”
What WHO recommends for Influenza
An important thing is that The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends yearly vaccination for almost all age groups. As everyone is susceptible to the disease, especially those at high risk. These groups include pregnant women, the elderly, children between six months and five years of age. Also those with health problems, and those who work in healthcare.
I hope you find this information useful and it will help you make informed decisions. It has busted a lot of my myths and I feel confident to Fight all worries when it comes to my Babies Flu. Are you?
More about this Awareness Drive
You may read more details here -and if you wish to Find/Consult a Doctor for Vaccinations, click here for an easy link, here you can find doctors available in your locality with a simple search by your area pin code.
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.”
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WE are yet to schedule our this year’s influenza vaccine appointment and we are thinking of getting shots for myself nad husband too this time Thanks ofr informative post
Vaccination is the best way to protect ourselves from catching flu. My friend got affected with this recently.
I attended this event too and it was very insightful. Especially the part where family needs to be vaccinated for complete protection is so important.
This is a very important post and yes we often get confused between influenza and common cold. Its necessary to detect the signs of influenza for the right treatment.
Such a nice and informative post. We shouldn’t ignore Influenza, having proper awareness is bout this is really important. Thanks for sharing all valuable information
Yeah! It is difficult to differentiate the symptoms of influenza and common cold so visit the doctor at the right time is very important.
True, Influenza is highly contagious and timely vaccinations are a must. Agree with you that spreading awareness about it is important and so is knowing that it is different from common cold. Thanks for an informative post, Gunjan!
Awareness and prevention are the best way to.take care against diseases which are infectious.
That’s great initiative to make parents aware about the difference between influenza and common cold
Flu a d influenza are often thought to be the same by many. Many of my doubts too, got cleared in your post
Great informative article, Gunjan. It is confusing to differentiate common cold, influenza and flu, your pointers definitely help.
Two insights, which I feel is important. 1, vaccine should be taken 4-6 weeks before school reopening and second talking to your paedriatician instead of assuming things.
That is useful information. I agree people confuse flu and common cold. It is important to be aware and vaccinate
It is an important message for moms. Influenza is notorious and should be dealt with urgency.
I agree most people confused between symptoms of influenza and common cold and you had shared great information about differentiate both. Event looks really great, lucky you.
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I remember the event. it was a great session with so many insights for parents
This was a very informative session. The biggest takeaway for me was the Samuhik vaccination
Yes exactly.. it was an informative session and indeed that’s a great step!
Thanks so much for so much detailing here. I was apprehensive about Influenza. Some doctors leave the decisions to the parents. Luckily, mine made sure it was on the checklist on my daughter’s. I am feeling better after reading your post.
Glad I could help.
When we call it flu , instead of Influenza , it seems like just a fever. Thanks to this panel discussion points you shared , we are much wiser and will be carefull too. #MyFriendAlexa #SujatawdeReads
very informative post, I have my kids influenza yearly vaccination scheduled for next week.
Very informative and helpful post.
There’s s misconception that Common Cold, Flu and Influenza are the same. Thanks for clearing those misconceptions.
Glad this helped
I attended this session too and it was quite informative. Some facts were totally new for me. Glad to be a part of such awareness campaign.
Well I think it’s good that people finally spoke about it. Nice post/
Such a crucial post
Really informative post. Not many people understand various kind of flu.. This will be really helpful
Thank you Kapila, glad it helped
Very informative post.. Saving this
Thank you
Thanks for the info. Much appreciated
Thank you for reading
A good post explaining how Influenza is different from flu and the preventive measures. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reading it