India is experiencing a significant rise in influenza infection, with nearly one million cases of acute respiratory illness or influenza-like illness from January to March this year. Flu cases were also on the rise last year, with a 16-fold increase in India from 2021. West Bengal alone saw a 5-fold increase in influenza cases reported in 2022, and Kolkata alone is seeing a 6 to 7% positivity rate of samples tested. Abbott hosted a roundtable in Kolkata to educate people on how to protect themselves, their families, and the community against infection.
Dr. Raja Dhar, Director and Head of Department of Pulmonology, The Calcutta Medical Research Institute, said, “Influenza is a vaccine-preventable disease, and taking an annual flu shot based on the updated WHO recommendations on the currently circulating virus strain is a safe and effective public health measure that more people should adopt.”
Influenza vaccination is one of the most effective preventive strategies to maintain immunity for a long duration. Dr. Jejoe Karankumar, Director, Medical Affairs, Abbott India said, “Most people think of the flu as similar to a common cold. But flu is different and is considered a public health concern that can lead to health complications. Due to low awareness about the seriousness of the flu, and misconceptions about the vaccination, it is often overlooked. At Abbott, we are committed to helping people in India stay healthy. We champion the Mothers Against Influenza Initiative and we work with healthcare professionals and associations to ensure we raise awareness on measures people can take to protect against infections such as the flu, so that people can live healthier lives.”