Give flu shots to kids, elderly, urge doctors

CHENNAI: Children between the ages of six months and five years, and senior citizens above 60 years should be given flu vaccination every year, the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) and WHO recommended.

The advice assumes significance as city hospitals usually see a surge in the cases of fever, flu, and other infections during the monsoon.

“Even for doctors in the children’s hospitals or dealing with paediatric cases in the government hospitals, we see that first year PG students often get flu, fever, cough and wheezing commonly because they’re constantly exposed to a high volume of patients every day,” said Dr Rakesh, Pediatrician at Dr Mohan Rao Childrens' hospital

Speaking about the 4-in-1 flu vaccination, Dr. Rakesh, Dr Mohan Rau Hospital, said, “The immune system of children between 6 months to 5 years is still developing and they are vulnerable to attacks of flu which may lead to hospitalisation. The annual 4-in-1 flu vaccination can protect the children against flu and its serious complications. In addition to this, children should be encouraged to follow basic hygiene such as washing hands regularly and not touching their nose and mouth frequently. Consult your child's pediatrician for more information on flu prevention.

The Centre for Diseases Control recommends that children with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or other chronic conditions, should get the annual flu vaccination even after the age of 5 years.