Trending:

Australia battles 'twindemic” with flu causing havoc along with rising covid cases; why the flu shot is important

A record number of hospitalisations are being reported in Australia which is grappling with a 'twindemic’ of both covid and flu. It makes the repeated calls for the annual flu shot much stronger. The shot works by prompting the immune system to produce antibodies, as they fight against the virus.

Ashima Sharda Mahindra

Updated Jul 26, 2022, 10:25 IST

Australia is in the middle of a ‘twindemic’ caused by covid and seasonal influenza.

New Delhi: Hospital rates In Australia have reached a record high with figures each week eclipsing the previous numbers during the covid waves. Starting this week, already 5,450 patients have been hospitalised with both covid and flu.

The figures reached more than 3,000 last month amidst the steep ascent of the fast-spreading and super infectious but mild BA.4 and BA.5 variants, along with the peak flu that has caused infections to spike up to nearly ten times higher than cases before the pandemic.

Health experts have said that Australia, where the flu season usually runs from June to September, is in the middle of a ‘twindemic’ caused by covid and seasonal influenza.

Hailed as a covid success story earlier with the country managing zero covid cases during the peak pandemic across the world by repeated lockdowns and shutting its borders, have left the population with subpar immunity despite more than 95 per cent being double vaccinated.

How to battle increasing flu cases?

There has been a call by experts to take the annual flu vaccine shots to protect against recurring ailments.

How does the flu vaccine work?

Since viruses change with every weather and season, adapting themselves to new environments, it is best to take the flu vaccine every year, as it gets updated to new changes as well.

The flu vaccine, which takes around two weeks for the antibodies to develop, helps the immune system to fight off the two virus strains – Trivalent and quadrivalent.

Who should take the flu shot?

There are many more prone to getting the flu than others. Even though the vaccine is not 100 per cent effective, it does protect against complications in certain high-risk individuals. These include pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, babies with low immunity, senior citizens over 65 years of age, and those working in hospitals and the nursing staff.

Also, people who are allergic to certain foods and have had a bad reaction to the vaccine in the past should not get it.

Side effects of the flu vaccine

The vaccine is mostly safe for everyone. However, there can be some side effects that include mild fever, pain around the injection site, and headaches. These symptoms are temporary and only occur as a response to antibodies being built.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

Latest News