The reporting of the first flu-related death in children this season has turned attention again to seasonal influenza and its dangers. So, is the H1N1 virus more aggressive this season? What symptoms should you go to the emergency room without delay? Is vaccination the only way to protect yourself? What is the truth of the perception that "the vaccine made me sick" and to whom does SSI cover the vaccine free of charge?
Child Health and Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Güzel and Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Songül Özer answered all the questions, from the clinical course of the flu to life-saving 'red flag' warnings and vaccination guide.
IS H1N1 MORE AGGRESSIVE THIS SEASON?
Emphasizing that the H1N1 strain is not a new virus, but one of the Influenza A subtypes that has been causing seasonal flu for years, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Güzel stated that the dominance of this virus in a season does not mean that it has become more dangerous on its own.
Stating that the process is shaped not only by the structure of the virus but also by individual factors, Prof. Dr. Güzel said, "This situation is affected by many factors such as the age range of the virus, which is renewed every year, as well as the genetic characteristics of the virus, the immune status of the patient, the presence of concomitant chronic diseases and vaccination status. The early child deaths reported recently due to flu should be taken seriously; however, based on a few cases, it would not be right to conclude that this season will be more severe for all children."
IF YOU HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS, CONTACT EMERGENCY WITHOUT WASTING TIME.
Listing the 'red flag' symptoms that families should pay attention to at home during flu follow-up and requiring direct application to the emergency room, the expert pointed out especially the state of breathing and consciousness.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Güzel summarized the situations in which families should seek medical help without delay as follows:
"In children, rapid or difficult breathing, ribs pulling in while breathing, bruising on the lips, significant drowsiness or inability to be aroused, seizures, inability to drink fluids, fever that does not decrease, inability to feed and a significant decrease in urine output are issues that families should especially pay attention to."
Drawing attention to a false recovery period that may occur during the course of the disease, Güzel warned, "The re-start of cough attacks immediately after the course of fever and cough improves and the addition of respiratory distress to this situation is very important for the course of the disease. This is an important finding that shows that the disease has moved to an advanced stage."
Reminding that fever alone in young babies may require urgent evaluation depending on age, Prof. Dr. Good, families don't just look at the number on the thermometer; He suggested that they look at the patient's breathing, consciousness, nutritional status and general appearance.
THE FIRST 48 HOURS ARE CRITICAL IN ANTIVIRAL TREATMENT
Referring to the timing of antiviral treatments in preventing flu-related pneumonia or neurological complications, Prof. Dr. Güzel stated that the greatest benefit of antivirals such as oseltamivir is achieved within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.
However, Güzel stated that this period does not have a definite 'expiration date' and said, "In patients who are hospitalized, have severe or progressive disease, or are at high risk, treatment may be beneficial even after 48 hours; it should not be delayed due to waiting for the test result."
The expert added that the use of antivirals is not mandatory in every child who is healthy and has a mild course, and stated that early treatment helps reduce risks, but does not guarantee the absolute prevention of all complications.
VACCINATION SCHEDULE AND PROTECTION RATES
Prof. also gave information about the protection of this season's flu vaccine against the H1N1 strain and the vaccination schedule. Dr. Ahmet Güzel stated that similarity at the laboratory level and protective effectiveness in real life are different concepts. Güzel stated that it would be misleading to give a clear percentage before the official follow-up data is finalized and shared the general vaccination schedule as follows:
6 months – 8 age group: Children who have not received a sufficient number of flu vaccines before may need to receive 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart. If previous vaccination history is sufficient, a single dose is administered.
Ages 9 and above: One dose of vaccination per season is usually sufficient.
Reminding that the flu vaccine does not provide one hundred percent protection, but is the most basic tool in preventing severe disease, Güzel emphasized that vaccinated individuals can also become infected, but the vaccine contributes to reducing the risk of hospitalization and death.
ARE COMPLETELY HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS ALSO AT RISK?
Although it is known that flu-related deaths and severe complications are predominantly seen in adults over 65 years of age, infants under 2 years of age, and those with chronic diseases (heart, lung, kidney, diabetes, etc.), the risk is not limited to this group.
Pointing out that severe cases can also develop in individuals who have no previous health problems, Prof. Dr. Güzel said, "Heart and lung diseases, diabetes, immune suppression and some neurological diseases increase the risk of severe flu; however, people with no known pre-existing disease may also develop severe pneumonia, respiratory failure or rarely brain involvement."
Prof. stated that the current data of the Ministry of Health should be followed in order to say that the situation in the USA is exactly reflected in Turkey. Dr. Ahmet Güzel said that to protect against the virus, not only the vaccine; He added that hand hygiene, staying at home in case of illness, hygiene measures such as common use of erasers, rulers and pencil cases in schools, and common towels and pillows at home are also vital.
WHO CAN GET THE VACCINE FOR FREE, WHEN SHOULD IT BE GIVEN?
Experts agree that the most critical way to protect against severe symptoms of flu is the flu vaccine. Dr. Songül Özer made important statements about the vaccine's protection, side effects, who can benefit from it free of charge and ideal timing.
Dr. According to the information provided by Songül Özer, SGK covers flu vaccination free of charge for citizens in certain risk groups. These groups are listed as follows:
- Individuals aged 65 and over
- Residents of nursing homes and nursing homes
- Pregnant women after the 3rd month of pregnancy (under certain conditions)
- Those with underlying chronic diseases: Heart diseases and cardiovascular diseases, COPD and other lung diseases, Kidney failure
To find out whether you have the right to get the flu vaccine free of charge, you can log in to the e-Nabız system and check the 'Influenza (Flu) Risk Status' section.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GET THE FLU VACCINE?
Özer said, "October-November are the ideal times to get vaccinated. However, if there is an epidemic or if there is a trip to places where there is a suspicion of an epidemic, vaccination can be applied outside this period. The protection of the flu vaccine is approximately 60-65%."
IS THE PERCEPTION "I GOT SICK AFTER VACCINATION" REAL?
"The most well-known side effects of the flu vaccine have been identified as redness, pain, swelling, tenderness in the vaccinated area, weakness that can be felt throughout the body, malaise, and headache. These symptoms begin 5-6 hours after the vaccine, are short-lived, and gradually disappear," said Dr. Songül Özer added:
“Widespread rash and allergic symptoms that begin immediately after vaccination are extremely rare and may occur in people with severe allergies and people with egg allergy.”
Dr. stated that the frequently expressed statements "I was vaccinated, but I got the flu" or "The vaccine gave me the flu" have no medical basis. Songül Özer clarified the issue:
"Since the vaccines sold in pharmacies contain inactive (dead) virus, it is medically impossible for the vaccine to directly cause flu. If the body is exposed to the virus before the protection has started or if it is infected with a different virus strain that is not covered by the vaccine, the person may get flu."
