UAE doctors have advised the residents to not let vaccine fatigue come in the way amid pandemic and get flu vaccine gain protection from influenza.

Dr Leena Kapoor, specialist internal medicine, Prime Medical Centre, Al Barsha, explained: “The flu season usually peaks in December and January and continues until April. Taking vaccination for flu prepares the immune system. Every year, a new updated batch of vaccines is introduced for flu, which is tweaked to include protection against the prevalent strains. While these shots effectively prevent flu, it is also a good way to keep one’s immunity strong. In older people or those with comorbidities, getting flu can further weaken their immunity. A severe flu can cause chest infections.”

Flu vaccine can be taken simultaneously with COVID-19 vaccine

Doctors say that the flu vaccine can be taken along with COVID-19 vaccination. Dr Kapoor added: “According to CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidelines, it is absolutely safe to take flu vaccines even while you are getting vaccinated for COVID-19. You can take the flu shot the same day on different arms, along with the COVID-19 shot. If that is a problem, then one can also take it with a one-week or a couple of days’ gap, but it is important that people do not get vaccine fatigue and skip their flu shot.”

Prevention is always better than cure - the best way to keep the flu virus at bay is to maintain strong immunity. Dr Ritu Manchanda, homoeopath with the German Medical Centre (GMC), Dubai, said: “The bottom line for good health is strong immunity. Our immunity in simple terms is our body’s coping mechanism in the face of any external threat. There are immune cells that adapt to fight back an invasion by external viruses.”

"Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with nutritionally balanced food, proper hydration, eight hours of restful sleep and regular exercise helps strengthen our immunity.”

Plant-based medicines and their curative impact

Dr Manchanda who practises curative and preventive care with homoeopathic medicines recommends it for children and seniors. “Homoeopathic medicines have excellent preventative and curative results in case of Influenza. Parents are often wary of putting their children on antibiotics. So preventive care with homoeopathy is very effective.”

• Avoid visiting public places such as swimming pools and crowded restaurants.

• Do not sneeze without covering your mouth and nose.

• Wear a face mask.

• Have a generous dose of Vitamin C and zinc to keep your immune response strong.

• Increase your fluid intake and keep yourself hydrated.