Key Summary
- Doctors urge families to get flu and Covid vaccines to protect vulnerable loved ones
- Flu hits fast and can cause serious illness, especially in multi-generational households
- NHS services and multiple vaccine options (including nasal spray for children) are available throughout winter
Two doctors, Dr Muhammad Naqvi and Dr Carter Singh, have urged families and communities to shield their loved ones by vaccinating and creating a “circle of protection” around them.
Multi-generational households where the old adults and youngsters live together has high risk of flu during winter.
“Getting your flu vaccine isn’t just about protecting yourself - it’s about creating a circle of protection around your whole family, especially grandparents, pregnant relatives, and little ones who depend on us,” Dr Singh added.
Flu hits fast with severe symptoms, and Covid continues to threaten immunosuppressed people.
Dr Naqvi reminded, “A flu isn’t just a bad cold. It can leave you bedbound and lead to serious complications for vulnerable family members.”
As per Dr Singh, understanding the symptoms is crucial.
Common cold, flu appears rapidly - often within hours - bringing a sudden high temperature, dry cough, severe headaches, and body aches that can leave you bedbound for days are some common signs of flu.
The two doctors want the public to get vaccinated as soon as possible based on their age and eligibility criterion.
They need the masses to be vaccinated against Covid as well.
Covid-19 vaccinations are available for people aged 75 and over; people aged 6 months to 74 years who have a weakened immune system due to a health condition or treatment and care home residents.
Dr Naqvi reassured people on the choices they have in treatments.
Every treatment has an alternative that will suit everyone like a nasal spray with a jab replacement.
For school-age children, the quick, painless nasal spray flu vaccine is usually given in schools, with parents asked to give consent, says Dr Singh.
“Your GP or pharmacist can help you choose what’s right for your family. If you have questions, speak with your GP, pharmacist, or trusted community leaders. They’ll help you make informed decisions for your family,” assured Dr Naqvi.
He also highlighted the importance of quarantine, warm home, regular health checks for family members above forty, etc to stay healthy during winter.
Both the doctors said the affected families should immediately contact NHS through online booking or call to access GPs.
The NHS services will be open throughout the winter for the public to seek help.
