Get ready for flu season in advance

Influenza differs from the common cold primarily in how it begins and how severe its symptoms are. The illness often develops suddenly: within just a few hours, a person may experience marked weakness, chills, headache, muscle aches, fever, and a dry cough. However, the absence of fever does not rule out influenza, and symptoms alone do not always make it possible to distinguish flu from COVID-19 or another respiratory infection.

That is why it is worth preparing for flu season before the virus begins circulating actively. Plan your vaccination in advance, assess your individual risk of complications, make sure any chronic conditions are well controlled, and know where to seek medical care if the first symptoms appear.

When to get vaccinated and how vaccination works

Annual vaccination remains the main way to prevent influenza. The virus is constantly changing, which is why the WHO reviews global surveillance data twice a year and updates recommendations on the composition of seasonal influenza vaccines.

In Ukraine, September–October is traditionally considered the optimal period for influenza vaccination. After vaccination, an immune response develops within approximately 7–14 days. At the same time, vaccination can still be given after the flu season has begun, as long as the virus is circulating and there is a continued risk of infection.

At Doctor Sam, vaccination is carried out after assessing your health status and taking into account your age, previous vaccinations, and medical indications.

Risk factors: who should prioritize prevention?

Influenza can be severe at any age, but certain groups have a significantly higher risk of complications. These include:

• people aged 65 and older;
• young children, especially those under 5 years of age;
• pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy;
• patients with chronic lung diseases, including bronchial asthma, as well as cardiovascular, kidney, and liver diseases, and diabetes;
• people with weakened immune systems due to illness or treatment.

For people with chronic conditions, influenza can worsen the underlying disease. Before the flu season begins, it is therefore worth checking how stable your condition is, whether you have an adequate supply of medications for ongoing treatment, and whether your treatment plan needs to be adjusted.

The first 48 hours: what to do when symptoms appear

If you or someone close to you develops symptoms suggestive of influenza, it is important for the doctor to know exactly when the illness began.

Antiviral medications are most effective when treatment is started within the first 48 hours after symptoms appear. Early treatment is particularly important for people at increased risk of complications and for those with severe or progressively worsening illness.

What to keep at home

A home medicine cabinet does not need to be overloaded. It is enough to have:

• a thermometer;
• symptomatic treatment products that are appropriate for your health condition;
• an adequate supply of medications used regularly for chronic conditions;
• hand hygiene products;
• masks or respirators for situations when it is not possible to completely avoid contact with other people while you are ill.

Influenza vaccination for children

Children can be vaccinated against influenza from 6 months of age. If a child is receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time (or there is no confirmed record of previous vaccination), two doses are required at least 4 weeks apart.

If a child has previously received at least two doses, even during one of the previous seasons, only one dose is needed for the new season. Children aged 9 and older always receive one dose.

Children under 5 years of age, particularly those under 2, have an increased risk of complications, ranging from rapid dehydration to pneumonia. When a child is ill, it is therefore important to monitor more than just their temperature. Pay attention to their behaviour: how they are breathing, whether they are drinking enough water, and how active they are.

At Doctor Sam, a pediatrician carefully reviews the child’s vaccination history before immunization, determines the appropriate schedule, and provides vaccination in a comfortable environment.

Protecting infants under 6 months

Infants under 6 months of age are not yet vaccinated against influenza because of the age restrictions for influenza vaccines, even though this age group has a high risk of complications. Their protection depends largely on the people around them. Before the season begins, make sure that parents, grandparents, and caregivers have received their influenza vaccinations.

If a breastfeeding mother develops influenza, breastfeeding does not need to be interrupted. The virus is not transmitted through breast milk, while breast milk contains the mother’s antibodies. During feeding and caregiving, it is important to wash hands regularly and wear a medical mask.

Pregnancy: protecting the mother and providing passive immunity to the baby

Pregnancy involves natural changes in the immune system, which is why respiratory infections can be more severe during pregnancy.

When to get vaccinated: the influenza vaccine can and should be given during any trimester of pregnancy.

Protection for the baby: Antibodies produced in the woman’s body after vaccination cross the placenta to the fetus. This provides the baby with passive immunity during the first 6 months of life.

If influenza is suspected, pregnant women are advised to contact a doctor as early as possible so that specific antiviral treatment can be prescribed.

Vaccination, proper management of chronic conditions, and a clear understanding of what to do when the first symptoms appear can reduce the risk of severe illness and help avoid delays when antiviral treatment may be needed.

At the Doctor Sam medical center, you can receive influenza vaccination, have a family doctor consultation, or see a therapist. To book a consultation, call +380 97 312 92 91.Doctor Sam is located in Kyiv at 1 Kiltseva Road, Respublika Park Shopping Mall.