Al-Amn Magazine

W MEDICAL By Dr. Zahra Khalifa Take t hat shot I nf l uenza vacci ne prevent s v i rus spread ith the onset of fall and the approach of winter, waves of seasonal influenza begin to spread among people in schools, workplaces, and communities. Although many people think of it as just a «common cold,» influenza is one of the most common and dangerous infectious diseases in certain groups. It causes millions of infections worldwide each year, with significant rates of complications that may require hospitalization or lead to death, especially among the elderly, young children, and those with chronic diseases. Seasonal Influenza Influenza is a viral respiratory infection caused by influenza A and B viruses. It is easily spread through droplets produced when coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Symptoms usually begin suddenly and include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, dry cough, nasal and throat congestion, and a general feeling of fatigue and extreme exhaustion. Mild cases can develop into serious complications such as pneumonia or worsening of heart and lung disease, especially in vulnerable groups. It is important to distinguish between influenza and the common cold. While colds are milder and cause nasal congestion and sneezing without a significant fever, influenza is characterized by a sudden onset and more severe symptoms, which may last longer and cause general fatigue. Therefore, the World Health Organization recommends taking the seasonal influenza vaccine. The seasonal influenza vaccine is the most important and effective way to prevent infection with the virus or reduce the severity of symptoms if infection occurs. The vaccine is also manufactured annually based on changes in the virus strains circulating around the world, with the WHO selecting the most likely strains to spread in the upcoming season. Among the groups recommended for annual vaccination are the elderly (over 60 years old), children 6 months of age and older and pregnant women, people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart, lung, and kidney diseases, and immunocompromised individuals, as well as healthcare workers. It is worth noting that the vaccine reduces the risk of contracting influenza by 40–60 per cent during good seasons and mitigates the severity