As part s of the Ministry of Health (MOH)’s ongoing efforts to encourage society to take the influenza vaccine, vaccination service is made available in homes through “Careem application”.
To get the service through the application, follow the steps below:
- log in to Careem application.
- Choose a car.
- Skip the destination.
- Confirm your starting point.
- Choose the influenza vaccination.
- Click on “Yalla”
The service will be available in Riyadh - Dammam - Makkah Al-Mukarramah - Madinah – Jeddah,
Seasonal-Influenza:
It is an acute viral infection that spreads easily among humans. It attacks the respiratory system. The person becomes infected through the nose and mouth up to the lungs. It ranges from mild to severe affects all age groups.
Types of influenza viruses:
It is divided into four main types, some of which infect humans and others infect animals:
- (A) virus influenza and (B) virus influenza: They infect humans and are the causes of seasonal influenza infections that spread in the winter season.
- (C) virus influenza: Infects humans and is the cause of influenza infections throughout the year.
- (D) virus influenza: Infects livestock and cannot be transmitted to humans.
There are subtypes of A virus influenza, and they differ according to the protein (H or N) that coats the virus, as there are 18 types of H protein and 11 types of N protein.
Methods of influenza transmission:
- Inhaling droplets of an infected person spreading in the air when sneezing or coughing.
- Touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the eyes, mouth and nose.
Incubation period:
The incubation period for influenza is usually 2 days but can vary from 1 to 4 days.
Period of Infection:
It ranges from one day before symptoms appear to 5-7 days after, and this period can last for a longer period in children and people who suffer from immunodeficiency.
Symptoms:
- An increase in body temperature of more than 37.8 degrees Celsius, and some infected people may not have an increase in body temperature.
- Chills and sweating.
- Headache.
- Persistent dry cough.
- Fatigue and exhaustion.
- Runny nose.
- Sore throat.
- Muscle pain.
Risk factors:
- Age.
- Presence of chronic diseases.
- Weak immune system.
- Obesity.
Categories most at risk:
- Health field workers.
- People with chronic diseases.
- Children.
- The elderly.
- Pregnant women.
When to see a doctor:
Most people with influenza only need to rest at home, but when severity of the illness increases and continues for more than two weeks, a doctor must be seen, as taking medications within the first 48 hours helps prevent more serious problems.
Complications:
Pneumonia is the most common complication. It is a serious infection that affects the lungs and is more likely to occur in young children, people over the age of 65 and those with other diseases (such as diabetes) or conditions that affect the heart, lungs, or those who suffer from weak immunity.
- Bronchitis.
- Sinus and ear infection.
- People with asthma may suffer from asthma attacks during the flu.
- Myocarditis.
- Respiratory infection with influenza virus can trigger a severe inflammatory response in the body and can lead to sepsis
- Death.
Treatment:
Most people with influenza recover within one to two weeks without treatment. However, serious complications can occur. Usually treatment is rest and drinking plenty of fluids only, but in some cases the doctor may prescribe antiviral medications, as the medication does not eliminate the symptoms of influenza, but it can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms by about one day. Fever, headache, and muscle pain can be relieved with analgesics and antipyretics. Cough medications are usually not helpful; The cough usually goes away without treatment, so cough or cold medications are not recommended for children under 6 years of age, but warm liquids are enough. As for antibiotics, they are not useful in treating viral diseases (such as influenza), but they are only used in the case of bacterial complications of influenza (such as: bacterial pneumonia, ear infection, or sinusitis).
Prevention:
- Make sure to get the seasonal influenza vaccine annually, as it is the most effective way to reduce the chance of infection.
- Wash hands well and regularly with soap and water.
- Avoid touching the eyes or mouth immediately after touching surfaces.
- Avoid direct contact with the infected person and sharing tools.
- Use a tissue when sneezing and coughing and dispose of it immediately.
- Make sure to clean surfaces regularly (such as: tables and chairs).
- Avoid crowded places.