Prof. Dr. Flu warning from Alper Şener: Cases will increase in November and December

Izmir Katip Çelebi University (İKÇÜ) Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Lecturer Prof. Dr. Alper Şener said that influenza cases are expected to increase starting from November and December.

Şener called on citizens, especially those over the age of 65, to get the flu vaccine and pointed out that it can take up to 15-20 days for the vaccine's protection to begin.

Şener stated that there is a general increase in upper respiratory tract infections with seasonal changes, and that a serious portion of the cases show symptoms called "rhinovirus", which only includes runny nose, congestion, and sneezing.

Explaining that they expect the influenza virus to show its effect starting from November and December, Şener said, "Muscle and joint pain are more prominent in this virus. There is a general increase in respiratory tract infections. But it is something we expected within the seasonal picture, it is not an extraordinary increase."

Şener stated that there is an increase in upper respiratory tract infections in the childhood age group, and this situation has not yet been reflected in the adult age group.

Recommending that citizens over the age of 65 should get a flu vaccine, Şener said:

"There will be an increase in flu cases in Türkiye. Before that increase, individuals over the age of 65 must be careful to be vaccinated. Because the flu vaccine is paid free of charge by the Ministry of Health for this patient group. Family physicians can easily prescribe them. It is especially beneficial for the group over the age of 65 to get the flu vaccine in this early period.

Because the onset of protection from the flu vaccine can take up to 15-20 days. It actually coincides with the beginning of the flu season. The formation of an antibody response is very important in this patient group. Why do we pay extra attention to flu in those over the age of 65? Because these patients are more likely to have lung inflammation, hospitalization, and intensive care."

Şener emphasized that it is important for expectant mothers who will give birth during the flu season to get this vaccine, and explained that it is important for citizens over the age of 65 to get the RSV vaccine, in addition to the flu vaccine.

Calling on citizens who will especially use public transportation, Şener said, "During this period, it is beneficial for people over the age of 65 to wear at least a mask to protect themselves. Because we know that the transmission of these viruses is more frequent in areas under 5 square meters, indoors, and we are faced with more particles."