Do you really need flu shots?

A SHORTAGE of the influenza vaccine may have alarmed the US but few doctors in India recommend it for the general public.
The reason -- while the influenza shot protects you against the dominant flu strain, it offers no protection from other virus strains that give you flu-like symptoms of fever and congestion.
"The general perception is that getting a flu vaccine would protect you from all types of fever and colds, but that doesn't happen. The vaccine works against the influenza virus and offers no protection against para-influenza and other viruses that cause fever," says dr Meherban Singh, former head of paediatrics, AIIMS.
The misunderstanding happens because all symptoms of fever of viral origin are wrongly termed "flu".

"Influenza is just one of the 200 viruses that cause flu-like symptoms of a fever, cough and cold," he says.
"The influenza vaccine is recommended only for those with suppressed immunity and lung diseases such as very severe asthma and bronchiectasies," says dr Anupam Sibal, senior consultant paediatrician at Apollo Hospital.
"Older people with chronic bronchitis and emphysema also benefit from the vaccine as the influenza virus is more virulent than other viruses that cause flu-like symptoms," adds dr Singh.
Globally, the vaccine is recommended for small chilDr.en, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions. Healthy people would be better off taking their chances against the many viruses that thrive around them.
Sick report Think twice before spending Rs 550 on flu vaccine It only protects you from influenza, one of the 200 viruses that cause flu-like symptoms You have flu if you have Fever above 101 degrees that lasts about four days, shaking, severe chills, muscle aches, fatigue, dry cough

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