A specialist in clinical viral diseases, Dr. Muhammad Abel, clarified that the H1N1 influenza virus, which is currently circulating, is a seasonal influenza virus, like other types of seasonal influenza that spread more frequently at the onset of each cold season. Dr. Abel told an Arab daily that the symptoms of seasonal H1N1 influenza are somewhat similar to the symptoms of other seasonal chest viral infections, such as fever, shivering, cold, cough, headache, fatigue, and in some children, colic, regurgitation, diarrhea and others. The flu usually lasts from three to seven days, and the symptoms are present in most people, but there is a special group of people such as newborns, the elderly, smokers, patients with diabetes and high blood pressure.
In addition, patients who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, as well as primary and acquired immunodeficiencies such as AIDS and pregnant women can have severe symptoms with the possibility of acute primary viral pneumonia and the possibility of hospitalization, and death in some cases.
Dr. Abel explained that these developments occur for all types of influenza viruses and are not specific to H1N1 influenza. He advised that it is best for patients to take the seasonal influenza vaccination, as there is seasonal influenza in general at the beginning of each cold season, before the virus spreads and before contracting the disease. He pointed out that in the United Kingdom the vaccine is taken from the beginning of September to November, noting that the vaccine is triple or quadruple, that is, it covers three or four types of influenza viruses, including the H1N1 influenza.
The specialist also explained that the vaccine is effective in protecting against infection at a good rate, as well as giving high protection against the exacerbation of the disease and the occurrence of serious complications. He confirmed that the vaccination is available in government and private clinics, as well as hospitals in the country, and that all people can, in addition to children from the age of six months and above can take the vaccination.