Protecting Children & Adults from Seasonal Flu (Influenza) Through Vaccination

The incubation period for influenza, which is the time from exposure to the virus until symptoms begin, is usually about 2 days but can range from 1 to 4 days. This means flu symptoms generally appear around 2 days after exposure to an infected person ¹. 

 

Flu symptoms are similar across all age groups and can vary from mild to severe ^1,4. Mild symptoms typically appear suddenly and may include ^1,2:

• Sudden fever 

• Dry cough

• Sore throat 

• Headache

• Runny or stuffy nose 

• Muscle and joint aches

• Severe malaise (a general feeling of being unwell) 

• Chills

• Fatigue or tiredness 

• Vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children than adults)

   

It's important to note that not everyone with the flu will have a fever ², and the cough can be quite severe, sometimes lasting 2 weeks or longer  ¹. 

 

Recognising Severe Flu Symptoms

Most people recover from fever and flu symptoms within a week, but some individuals may develop severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention ¹. 

 

Severe flu symptoms to watch for include - 

 

In children ²: 

• Rapid or difficult breathing

• Bluish colour of the lips or face 

• Indented ribs with each breath

• Chest discomfort 

• Intense muscle pain (child refusing to walk)

• Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, lack of tears when crying) 

• Unresponsiveness or lack of engagement while awake

• Seizures 

• Fever over 104°F that isn't reduced with medication

• Any fever in infants younger than 12 weeks old 

• Fever or cough that initially improves but then returns or gets worse

• Deterioration of pre-existing medical conditions 

   

In adults ²:

• Trouble breathing or feeling short of breath 

• Ongoing pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

• Persistent dizziness, confusion, or difficulty waking up 

• Seizures

• Lack of urination 

• Intense muscle pain

• Extreme weakness or unsteadiness 

• Fever or cough that initially improves but later returns or worsens

• Aggravation of chronic medical conditions 

   

If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical care immediately, especially for children, the elderly, or those with pre-existing conditions.

 

Complications of Flu Disease 

Along with severe symptoms, some individuals may be at risk of serious complications that can be life-threatening and even fatal ². These complications are more likely to occur in high-risk individuals and may include ^2,1:

• Sinus infections 

• Ear infections

• Pneumonia. 

• Extreme inflammation in the body, leading to sepsis (a life-threatening response to infection).

• Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) 

• Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)

• Inflammation of muscles (myositis, rhabdomyolysis) 

• Multi-organ failure (e.g., respiratory or kidney failure)

• Asthma attacks in people with asthma 

• Worsening heart disease in people with chronic heart conditions.

   

Death due to flu disease primarily affects high-risk groups. In industrialised countries, most flu-related deaths occur in people aged 65 and older. Research shows that in developing countries, 99% of flu-related deaths in children under five are associated with lower respiratory infections ¹. 

 

Importance of Flu Vaccination

Flu vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect adults and children from influenza ³. It works by stimulating the body's immune response to the virus without causing the illness ⁶.  

 

Here’s why getting the flu vaccination is important ⁷:

• Prevents flu-related illnesses. 

• Reduces the need for doctor visits and decreases flu-related health issues.

• Lowers the risk of severe flu symptoms. 

• Decreases the likelihood of requiring ICU care and reduces flu-related fatalities.

• Cuts down on hospitalisations due to the flu. 

• Is crucial for individuals with chronic health conditions, helping manage chronic lung conditions and lowering the incidence of cardiac events.

• Protects expectant parents and their babies from the flu during pregnancy. 

• Can be life-saving for children by reducing severe flu cases and hospital visits.

   

For parents, consider the 7-Star Protection Programme, which includes the flu vaccination along with other vital vaccinations such as Hepatitis A, Chickenpox, Rubella, and more. Consult a paediatrician to learn about the 7-Star Vaccination schedule and ensure your child is fully protected against these potentially serious illnesses. 

 

Additional measures to reduce the spread of influenza viruses ^1,3:

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water. 

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, and make sure to dispose of

  tissues properly.

• Avoid close contact with sick individuals. 

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Keep surfaces and objects clean and disinfected. 

• Practice good hygiene in public places, such as wearing masks.

   

Conclusion 

Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can affect anyone ², but there are effective ways to protect yourself and your family ³. 

Flu vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect adults and children from the virus and its potential complications ^1,3. By getting vaccinated each year, you can protect yourself and help prevent the spread of the flu within the community ⁷. 

Stay proactive this flu season - get vaccinated and encourage those around you, especially those in high-risk groups, to do the same.