My family and I very often have flu and for 70% of the year we end up going to the local doctors for small term effective medicines until I went for a very informative bloggers meet that was on a topic that was just what I would want to know and share with you all.
The event had eminent panellists present on board, Dr. Mukesh Gupta ~ Gynaecologist/Obstetrician, practising in Mumbai. Awarded with “Emerging Star of Medicine” by Indian Medical Association MWSB in 2011. With many other awards and acknowledgement in his kitty. Also present was Dr. UdayAnanth Pai ~ Pediatrician (MD, DCH Distinction) with 29 years of experience. And practices in Mumbai too.
With all their knowledge I was detailed upon what is influenza that we more commonly call the flu.
I would say it was just a sneeze or a bacteria that passed on from someone to me. It’s not so negligible as it seems; the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.
And did you know it's the most common infection in our country and more than 10 million cases are registered per year?
Do you all remember Swine flu?
It was caused by the H1N1 virus and a little notorious explains Dr. Mukesh Gupta. The swine flu was one of the examples that showed us the danger we can put on ourselves and our children.
Flu is like an illness that comes in from various people and viruses.
It spreads as easily as from coughing or sneezing within a distance of six feet. We inhale these viruses through our noses and mouths. Touching infected surfaces and objects are also a cause of spreading these viruses.
This flu that leads to influenza is different from the common cold. Its symptoms include feeling feverish chills, cough, running nose, body aches, headaches, tiredness are the trigger points that one should watch out for.
Each year an average of 20,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized due to influenza complications. It’s most likely to affect children younger than five years and pregnant women. Many pregnant women suffer changes during pregnancy in their immune systems. And as a result, it makes them prone to severe illnesses from the flu and as well as hospitalizations.
Adding here, Genelia said “My elder child may carry a flu virus and my younger child may get infected. So it is important to protect them both and get the whole family vaccinated.”
Taking proper precautions are needed at all times.
✔️Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing.
✔️Wash your hands with soap and water.
✔️Regular Vacations are the most important steps towards a flu-free life.
As a mother, I know how much I worry about my child as soon as he is off to school. And because of the air conditioning in his school, I feel he walks out with a cold more often than necessary. However, this myth was breached by Doctor Uday Pai who said “Good school may have AC, but one infected child may spread flu to others in a closed environment, So any child may get influenza”
Adding here Doctor Uday Pai said, it takes the vaccines from 4 to 6 weeks to immunise the body. So you must take it before the epidemic like swine flu breaks out.
And the best months are April, May and June.
Not only for your children but for your whole family and even the caretakers around. You never know where the viruses may attack.
It’s always better to be safe than to be sorry!
Talk to your doctors, they will be more happy to help you out with all the details.
You want to be a Mom who is a Warrior and not a Worrier. Genelia spoke her heart out and explained herself as a mother. You and I will believe in the same, we want our children safe and sound. And that’s going to happen when we educate ourselves about small things that will help us win the big battles.
One has to understand the basics of a healthy home, and believe that together we will achieve this. Not only for your own but for all!
http://www.mothersagainstinfluenza.in/
You can also find a doctor through your pin code,
http://www.mothersagainstinfluenza.in/doctors-list.html
I want you all to promise our children a healthier world and be happier moms who are going to fight influenza-like a warrior.
May we live in a world that is healthy and happy!
Disclaimer ~ I attended a discussion on influenza awareness facilitated by Abbott India Limited. Any opinion expressed in this blog is my personal opinion and not the opinion of Abbott India Limited. Abbott India Limited does not assume any liability for the content of this blog. This blogpost is not meant to be replacement for a doctor consultation, nor is it a medical recommendation or prescription treatment for babies having Influenza. Any reader of this blog or their family members suffering from Influenza should specifically consult his/her doctors for the same and follow the suggested course of treatment.