Ministry of Health Unveils 7 Key Measures to Prevent Seasonal Influenza and Promotes Vaccination
From the Reports Section. Abu Dhabi, The Ministry of Health and Community Protection has outlined seven essential measures to prevent seasonal influenza, including vaccination, adhering to proper cough and sneeze etiquette, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, continual cleaning and sterilization of surfaces and tools, regular handwashing and sanitization, and self-isolation when experiencing infection symptoms. Additionally, it emphasizes refraining from touching the eyes, nose, and mouth.
In its freshly released 2023-2024 Seasonal Influenza Awareness Guide, the ministry identified individuals most susceptible to influenza and its complications, which include pregnant women, children under 5 years old, the elderly, and individuals with chronic medical conditions, as well as healthcare workers.
The guide underscores the significance of influenza vaccination, which not only safeguards against infection but also reduces disease severity and the risk of hospitalization. It offers substantial protection to pregnant women throughout pregnancy and beyond, as well as to newborns during their initial months, shielding them from influenza-related complications.
The guide further explains that the optimal time to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine is in September or early winter each year. However, if vaccination is not administered during this period, it is advisable to receive the vaccine later, as the influenza virus can persist in the months that follow.
It clarifies that the influenza vaccine is considered safe, having been administered to millions of people for over 60 years, with generally mild side effects that typically resolve within a few days.
According to the guide, everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine, which is available at both public and private healthcare centers.
It is noteworthy that seasonal influenza infection occurs worldwide at an annual rate of 5 to 10 percent among adults and 20 to 30 percent among children. Each influenza season differs from the previous one and can affect individuals in varying ways.