Medical opinions affirmed that there was no relationship between the seasonal flu vaccine and the prevention of the coronavirus, however, they stressed at the same time that taking the flu vaccine this year is very important, especially considering there is the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, Al Rai daily reports.
Specialized doctors explained that the influenza vaccination is a very important issue for several reasons, most notably helping to reduce suspected cases of coronavirus infection, especially in the fall or winter seasons, and reduce the burden on health facilities during these periods, as more cases of hospitalization are due to influenza infection.
They warned of the danger of a combined infection with influenza and the coronavirus, which poses a grave danger to those suffering high risk factors such as the elderly and people with chronic diseases. Hence, they outlined the importance of taking the flu vaccine this year to avoid the double risk of “seasonal influenza and coronavirus”.
They stressed the need for vaccination at an early date compared to previous years, in light of talk about the possibility of launching a vaccine for the coronavirus next November.
The daily said, quoting informed sources, that the Ministry had provided sufficient quantities of influenza vaccine in preparation for supplying to health facilities, during the coming period, stressing According to the medical point of view, it is necessary for groups suffering from risk factors to initiate vaccination with influenza vaccine when starting a vaccination campaign.
For his part, professor of pediatrics and a member of the advisory committee to confront the coronavirus, Dr. Khaled Al-Saeed stressed the importance of influenza vaccination during the current year, especially for groups suffering from some risk factors such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, and pulmonary obstruction, in addition to pregnant and immuno compromised patients.
Al-Saeed pointed out that there is no relationship between the seasonal influenza vaccine and the prevention of coronavirus infection, noting that taking the vaccine is very important during the current year, especially when there is the real possibility of a second wave of the coronavirus in the next fall or winter.
For his part, the preventive health doctor, Dr. Abdullah Behbehani, said that there was no relationship between the seasonal flu vaccine and the prevention of the coronavirus infection, but he stressed the importance of taking flu vaccinations this year. He pointed out that the influenza vaccine prevents infection with the disease whose symptoms are similar to that of the coronavirus infection. This will significantly reduce suspected cases of coronavirus infections, he added, and reduce the burden on health facilities including primary care centers or hospitals throughout the country, especially in the fall and winter seasons, when more hospitalizations occur due to influenza infections.
In addition to taking the flu vaccine this year, he highlighted the importance of adhering to other precautionary measures, from wearing masks, social distancing, washing and sterilizing hands, to other health instructions, which play a major role in preventing infections in general, whether coronavirus or influenza.
