UAE residents reminded to take the flu shot

UAE residents reminded to take the flu shot

Dubai: Doctors in the UAE are reminding residents to take the flu shot now to get protected against the seasonal virus before the onset of winter. “Producing antibodies against influenza, a viral infection that attacks one’s respiratory system [nose, throat and lungs], will take around two weeks to develop. Getting a flu vaccine will not protect us 100 per cent from the virus, but it is the best way to prevent flu and avoid its complications,” Dr Zrinka Zderic Savatovic, general practitioner at HealthBay Polyclinic Dubai, told Gulf News. Dr Savatovic continued: “Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October those six months and older should get an influenza vaccine every season with rare exception. Babies younger than six months and people with severe allergic reactions to previous flu vaccine should not be vaccinated.” Dr Brijesh Bhardwaj, specialist and head of department - Internal Medicine at NMC Royal DIP, Dubai, also said: “Influenza vaccination is recommended for all people above six months of age and older, health care workers, young children with asthma and other respiratory diseases, heart disease, people with diabetes, patients with weak immunity, pregnant female.” Both doctors also advised that people with egg allergies and