Tunceli State Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Burcu Babaoğlu Elkhatroushi said that the most important way to protect against influenza is the flu vaccine along with personal protection measures.
Underlining that influenza must be vaccinated against influenza every year because influenza is a mutating virus, Specialist Dr. Burcu Babaoğlu Elkhatroushi said, “We can be protected from seasonal flu by vaccination. Especially the protection of risky groups by vaccination prevents intensive care hospitalizations and is an important way to prevent an epidemic that may even result in death. Influenza vaccine is strongly recommended for children older than 6 months, children younger than 5 years, people over the age of 65, groups with chronic diseases such as lung, liver and kidney failure, and pregnant women after 12 weeks. Apart from these, we also recommend that the people around these people be vaccinated.”
Stating that the flu vaccine does not have any side effects other than redness, swelling, pain or high fever, Dr. Babaoğlu Elkhatroushi stated that those who are allergic to eggs and those who experience severe allergic reactions after vaccination should not be vaccinated.
Noting that health personnel and teachers should definitely get the flu vaccine, Dr. Babaoğlu Elkhatroushi said, “We recommend flu vaccination in October and November. Vaccination continues its protection for up to 6 months in immunized people. Flu vaccines are given free of charge at family health centers. Flu is a disease that needs to be prevented and the only way is to be vaccinated.”
