Due to the flu epidemic, which is one of the most common diseases in the world, millions of people are infected, hospitalized and die due to its complications every year. Istanbul Okan University Hospital Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Dr. Instructor Member Servet Öztürk gave important information about the H1N1 Virus.

Dr. Instructor Member Servet Öztürk said, “Influenza is a viral disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death, depending on age and additional disease status. H1N1 swine flu is the type of virus that causes the most illness. In each flu season, millions of people get sick and suffer serious loss of workforce, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized, and tens of thousands of people die due to influenza and its complications. Influenza virus can be transmitted by droplets, aerosols and contact. Especially indoors, the possibility of transmission increases. The mask, distance and hygiene measures we use due to the Covid-19 pandemic are also protective for the flu virus. In the last century, 4 pandemics have occurred in the world due to the flu virus.

Swine flu has the following symptoms:

Sore throat
Headache
fever height
Widespread body pain (Muscle-joint-Bone pain)
runny nose
Cough
Shortness of breath
Vomiting, Diarrhea

How Can We Avoid Swine Flu?

Influenza vaccines have many benefits, such as reduced incidence of the disease, reduced hospitalization and death rates, as well as reduced transmission of the disease to other people. Two weeks after the flu vaccine is given, protective antibodies are formed.

“Ideally everyone should be vaccinated”

Emphasizing that everyone should be vaccinated, Dr. Instructor Öztürk said, “Especially over 65 years of age, asthma, COPD, Diabetes mellitus (diabetes), Heart failure, Stroke, Pregnancy and puerperium, HIV/AIDS, Cancer disease, chronic kidney failure, immunosuppressive drug use, morbid obesity and nursing home The disease is more frequent and severe in people living in a nursing home. Children and adolescents aged between 6 months and 18 years and receiving long-term aspirin therapy should be vaccinated every flu season.

“Flu vaccines should be repeated every year for two reasons”

First, vaccine-related protective antibodies decrease within months. “Secondly, because the flu virus changes shape every year, the composition of current vaccines is rearranged every year for the most common viruses.”

Also, Dr. Instructor Prof. Dr. Öztürk, Influenza vaccines are generally divided into two as nasally administered live vaccines and parenterally administered inactivated vaccines. Live vaccines should not be administered in cases of pregnancy and immunodeficiency. Inactive (non-living) flu vaccines should be preferred in this group of patients.

What Are the Benefits of Flu Vaccines?

The flu vaccine reduces your chances of getting the flu.
Various studies have shown that the flu vaccine reduces the severity of the disease in people who are vaccinated but are still sick.
The flu vaccine reduces the risk of flu-related hospitalizations.
The flu vaccine is an important preventative tool for people with certain chronic health problems.
The flu vaccine helps protect pregnant people during and after pregnancy.
Getting vaccinated can also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu, such as infants and young children, the elderly, and people with certain chronic health conditions.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of the Flu Vaccine?

Pain, redness and/or swelling at the injection site
Headache (low grade)
Fire
Muscle pains
Nausea
Weakness

Dr. Instructor Prof. Öztürk said, “Early diagnosis of patients who are not vaccinated and who have disease symptoms is very important. Because the influenza virus is one of the rare viruses that have antiviral treatment, especially among the viruses that cause respiratory tract infections. With the treatment started within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, the duration of the disease is shortened and the probability of hospitalization is reduced. Eat a Mediterranean diet, be active, and do not forget to consult your doctor for adult vaccinations. he ended his speech.

Source: (BYZHA) – Beyaz News Agency