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Getting the annual flu shots can help reduce severe health risks associated with high air quality index (AQI) levels across the Delhi-NCR region, says top respiratory experts, as air pollution is making it difficult even to breathe. According to Dr Abhijeet Singh, Senior Consultant, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sharda Care Healthcity, the current situation is unprecedented and needs tough measures to save lives. “We are seeing an unprecedented new trend in otherwise healthy people, particularly below the age of 40 and without any history of asthma or allergies, frequently reporting to clinics with chronic cough that is nonproductive, chest tightness, and abnormal shortness of breath,” Dr Singh told Times Now. “This is the new normal of city air pollution;
the air is rapidly causing acute inflammatory responses in their airways,” he added. “We need to focus on prevention. Get your flu vaccinations and pneumonia vaccinations with an emphasis on high-risk patients such as seniors, and those with chronic respiratory diseases,” Dr Singh added.
How do flu shots affect the risk of toxic air?
When air pollution is high, it weakens your lungs, making them more susceptible to infections like the flu. And so, by reducing the risk and severity of the flu, the vaccine helps prevent complications that can be made worse by poor air quality. Experts say flus shot reduce severe health risks from poor air quality and help maintain stronger lung function and immune response, preventing the compounding negative effects of both the virus and air pollutants. Flu shots mitigate the combined stress of virus and air toxicity According to Dr Singh, both air pollution and the flu virus independently cause inflammation and stress to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. When both occur simultaneously, the health risks get significantly heightened - especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions like asthma or COPD. A flu shot prevents this dual burden by protecting against the flu. Studies also say the influenza vaccination moderates the detrimental effects of ambient air pollution on lung function. Those who are not vaccinated experience significantly greater reductions in their lung function, which includes forced vital capacity, when exposed to high levels of particulate matter, PM2.5 or PM10, as compared to those who receive the vaccinations.How do flu shots work?
The flu vaccine works by teaching your body to recognize and fight the influenza virus. It does this by introducing a weakened or inactivated version of the virus, which causes your immune system to produce antibodies. These antibodies then provide protection against infection from the specific flu strains included in the vaccine. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective.Who should get the flu vaccine?
Annual flu vaccines are for those over 6 months of age. Doctors recommend these vaccines for everyone who does not have a medical reason to avoid the vaccine. Getting a flu vaccine lowers:- The risk of getting the flu. If the vaccine is given later in pregnancy, the flu vaccine helps protect a newborn from the flu, too.
- The risk of having a serious illness from the flu and needing to stay in the hospital due to the flu.
- The risk of dying from the flu.
- Adults older than age 65.
- People in nursing homes or long-term care.
- Young children, especially those aged 12 months or younger.
- People who plan to be pregnant, are pregnant, or have recently given birth during flu season.
