Before Monsoons - 4 in1 Flu Vaccination Can Help Protect Children from Swine Flu (H1n1) and Three Other Flu Strains

Since 2009, ever since it was first detected in humans, swine Flu continues to circulate as a seasonal Flu virus across the country.¹ Recent reports suggest rise in cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) in and around Maharashtra & cities across India.^2,3

Swine Flu (H1N1) is contagious and spreads from an infected person via coughing, sneezing, talking; or even spread through contaminated objects or surfaces.¹

Individuals at higher risk of developing serious complications of Flu include:

- All children below 5 years of age maybe at upto 7 times higher risk of hospitalization⁴
- Pregnant women who may be at ~7 times higher risk of hospitalization & ~4 times higher risk of still birth.⁵
- Diabetic adults may be at ~3 times higher risk of hospitalization.⁶
- Asthma patients may be at >4 times higher risk of critical illness.⁷
- All elderly above 65 years of age may be at ~2.5 times higher risk of hospitalization.⁸

Symptoms include¹:
- Fever & chills
- Cough & sore throat
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Headache & body ache
- Diarrhea & fatigue

Complications include secondary bacterial infections, pneumonia, and bronchitis which may lead to hospitalization and sometimes death¹. The right diagnosis can only be made by a PCR test on recommendation of a doctor.⁹

Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Upendra Kinjawadekar, President elect of Indian Academy of Pediatrics, says, “Despite the contagious nature and severity of the disease, Swine Flu is preventable through vaccination. 4in1 Flu vaccinations available in the market protect against 4 different Flu strains including H1N1. Flu vaccination is well-tolerated and is especially recommended as an annual vaccination by Pediatricians for children 6 months onwards up to the age of 5 years.”

Consultant Chest Physician Dr. Agam Vora, Secretary General of Association of Physicians of India says, “One of the effective ways to tackle the resurging waves of Swine Flu (H1N1) is to get yourself and your family members vaccinated with 4in1 Flu Shot. I have been getting Flu shot for myself & my close ones since 20 years, I strongly believe Flu vaccination can benefit all.”

All high-risk groups mentioned above are also recommended Flu vaccination by Physicians. A few other simple measures to Prevent Seasonal Flu include¹:
- Frequent Handwashing
- Use masks in crowded places
- Avoid contact with an infected person

References:

1. 2009 H1N1 flu (swine flu) and you. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/orr/responses/h1n1-influenza-pandemic.html. Accessed October 2023.
2. Available at: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/swine-flu-in-maharashtra-62-cases-found-in-mumbai-circle-this-year-2-deaths-reported-from-thane-11658729725460.html. Accessed October 2023.
3. Available at: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/maharashtra-records-spike-in-swine-flu-cases-highest-since-2018-8203291/. Accessed October 2023.
4. Ruf et al. Eur J Pediatr (2014) 173:265–276.
5. WHO position paper Influenza May 2022.
6. Allard R. Diabetes care. 2010;33;1491-3.
7. Schwarze et al. 2017. Allergy.
8. Moa AM, et al. Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2022 Jan;16(1):132-141.
9. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/diagnosis/overview-testing-methods.htm. Accessed October 2023. CL Code: NP-IN-PVU-WCNT-240002