Prevention of influenza by flu vaccination is a key part of preventive healthcare, which protects individuals and communities from the potentially very serious consequences of influenza. A highly contagious, often severe respiratory illness, influenza or ‘the flu’ is caused by viruses that can cause serious problems, like pneumonia, bronchitis and serious complications, including hospitalization. The flu vaccine is constructed so that it will trigger the immune system to respond by kicking in if, and only if, you are exposed to the virus. It’s particularly important, since flu viruses evolve rapidly and the vaccine is updated each year to match circulating strains.

Not only will vaccination reduce this risk of fluid infection, but also reduce the severity of symptoms should you become infected. The flu vaccine can be life saving for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with a chronic medical condition. By getting vaccinated you also aid community immunity, as those who couldn’t have the vaccine for medical reasons. Given that a diverse community also experiences a high level of seasonal flu activity in Dubai, public health relies on widespread vaccination, as it does worldwide.