Uzm. Prof. Dr. Caner Öksüz stated that the flu, which is frequently encountered during seasonal transitions, is severe in people with chronic diseases and the elderly, and can even cause death, and explained the methods of protection.
Influenza, caused by the influenza virus and encountered every year, can turn into an epidemic during seasonal transitions. Making a statement about the flu, which can even cause death in those over 65 years of age and those with chronic diseases, Sivas State Hospital Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Uzm. Dr. Caner Öksüz explained the transmission routes, symptoms and prevention methods of the disease. Stating that the causative agent of influenza is the influenza virus, Dr. Öksüz said, “So it is a disease caused by a virus. In fact, our people and we know the flu disease closely. Because this influenza virus, influenza disease has caused many epidemics in the world before. For example, the Spanish flu, then the Asian flu, and the swine flu we experienced in 2009 were all caused by the influenza virus, and these were also influenza outbreaks. Especially, as you said, the number of cases and patients increases considerably at the end of the fall months, winter months and early spring. So, what are the symptoms of this disease? In influenza, first of all, there are symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, intense weakness, muscle and joint pain that prevent daily work. They present with these complaints. In general, patients start to experience these symptoms within one to three days after contracting the virus and apply to health institutions. This disease is contagious. Especially in situations such as talking, coughing and sneezing, we emit a droplet. This virus can be transmitted through these droplets. As we said, this disease occurs within one to three days after it is taken. Again, when we look at it, our flu disease can actually be mild in healthy adults, those who do not have a disease, but there are also cases where it is severe. Especially in people with underlying chronic diseases, severe course in elderly people, causing hospitalization and even progressing to cause death,” he said.
“Flu vaccine reduces mortality rates”
Stating that the most effective method of protection from the flu virus is vaccination, Dr. Öksüz said, “In fact, we have known about the flu vaccine and the flu since long ago. We know that the flu virus was first isolated from a human in 1933. We know that vaccine studies have been carried out since 1935. Therefore, the flu vaccine is a known vaccine, an old vaccine and a reliable vaccine. The flu vaccine reduces hospitalizations and mortality rates. There is a risky group for whom the flu vaccine is recommended. It is primarily recommended for this group. People in that group are at risk of having a severe illness. Who are these people? People aged 65 and over are particularly at risk of a severe illness. People staying in nursing homes and nursing homes, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases. If we give examples to these, especially individuals with asthma, cystic fibrosis disease, COPD are at risk. In addition to chronic lung disease, people with chronic heart disease, congenital heart disease, valvular disease, heart failure. We also recommend vaccination for these groups.”
“Get a flu vaccine every year”
Öksüz pointed out that the best time for the flu vaccine is October and November and said, “We now recommend that the flu vaccine should be administered in October and November, taking into account the protection process of the vaccine and the start of the epidemic. Our patients should prefer October or November to get it done. However, those who do not have it can be vaccinated during the flu vaccination season, that is, until the end of March. Its protection is said to be approximately 6-8 months. This means that we have to get the flu vaccine every year. I had it last year, will I get it again? Yes, we will. It is recommended to get a flu vaccine every year.”
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