The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and the World Health Organization recommend annual vaccination for children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. Children are vulnerable to the flu throughout the year especially during the winters and monsoons.
It may take about 2 weeks to develop antibodies after getting the vaccination, which is why it should be taken 2 to 4 weeks before the monsoon or winter. Children under 5 years are not only at a higher risk of complications from the flu but can also spread the infection to others in the community .
Flu is caused by the influenza virus, and it affects the nose, throat, and lungs . Some common symptoms are cough, fever, chills, sore throat, tiredness,muscle ache and headache . The virus can spread easily from a sick person when they speak, sneeze, or cough. Studies show that 11% of outpatient children under 5 years of age with acute respiratory infections had flu in India. Speaking about the need for Annual 4in1 Flu vaccination, Dr. RashnaDass Hazarika, MD Pediatrics, Rigpa Children’s Clinic says, “The vaccine can be given before the winters when flu infections peak. Adults with diabetes, COPD, heart, liver and kidney diseases and all elderly persons should also take the annual Flu shot.”