The onset of the monsoon season brings a welcome relief from the scorching heat, accompanied by gentle rains and the rumble of thunderstorms. Yet, along with this respite, lurks the specter of food and water-borne illnesses, casting a shadow on the season’s tranquility. Among the array of ailments that thrive during this time, common colds and flu infections reign supreme. These seasonal maladies not only disrupt daily life but also pose a considerable threat to public health, leading to increased absenteeism in schools and workplaces.
Children, in particular, bear the brunt of flu outbreaks, often exhibiting symptoms like runny noses, coughs, and fevers. Dr. Anish Pillai, a leading consultant in neonatology and pediatrics at Motherhood Hospitals in Kharghar and Navi Mumbai, sheds light on the significance of flu vaccinations for children during this period. Influenza, a highly contagious viral infection targeting the respiratory system, ranks among the most prevalent respiratory diseases affecting children during the rainy season. For some, it can escalate into severe symptoms such as breathlessness, hypoxia, irritability, and loss of appetite, necessitating hospitalization.
Transmission of the influenza virus primarily occurs through airborne droplets expelled when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or even speak. Dr. Pillai underscores the importance of vaccination in breaking this cycle of infection, especially for children attending daycare or school. By safeguarding the child, the vaccine extends its protective shield to those around them, including elderly family members and classmates. Each year, new formulations of flu vaccines are developed to combat evolving viral strains. These vaccines contain inactivated influenza A and B viruses, rendering them highly effective in conferring protection.
Dr. Pillai dispels common misconceptions surrounding flu vaccinations, urging parents not to be deterred by mild side effects such as fever, headache, or localized swelling. The benefits of immunization far outweigh these temporary discomforts, bolstering children’s immune systems and mitigating the risk of severe illness or complications.