Pulmonology
Seasonal flu: symptoms and who needs the yearly vaccine
Symptoms
Symptoms usually start about 2 days after infection and include:
- A sudden fever.
- A cough, usually dry.
- Headache and muscle and joint pain.
- A sore throat.
Most people recover within a week, but some groups are at risk of serious complications.
How it spreads
Flu spreads easily through droplets when people cough or sneeze and through contaminated hands, and moves quickly in crowded places such as schools.
Who needs a yearly vaccine?
The WHO recommends annual vaccination especially for:
- Pregnant women.
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years.
- People over 65.
- People with chronic medical conditions.
- Health workers.
Other prevention measures
- Wash and dry your hands regularly.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and dispose of tissues properly.
- Stay home when you are unwell.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
The Saudi Ministry of Health also lists people over 50 and those taking medicines that weaken immunity among the groups most at risk. The vaccine is given at primary healthcare centres by booking through the Sehhaty app.
Note: This content is for general awareness and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. In an emergency, please call 997.
