HMC health expert urges vulnerable groups to get free seasonal flu vaccine

Doha, Qatar: Now, before the winter season starts, is the best time to get the seasonal flu vaccine according to a Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) hea...

Doha, Qatar: Now, before the winter season starts, is the best time to get the seasonal flu vaccine according to a Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) health expert, who has stressed that everyone, especially those at higher risk of complications, needs to protect themselves against influenza this year.

“Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death,” according to Dr. Muna Al Maslamani, Medical Director of Hamad General Hospital, and Chief Executive Officer of Communicable Disease Center at HMC.

Dr. Al Maslamani said that while the flu can affect all of us, there are some groups in our community who are more vulnerable to the virus and complications than others. This includes:

“We’re all susceptible to the flu. People who are very young, very old or who have chronic medical conditions are at risk for more complications and more severe flu,” Dr. Al Maslamani said. “So, while it’s important for all of us to get vaccinated, it’s essential for young children, pregnant women, older people, and people who have illnesses to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”  

Dr. Al Maslamani said the best way to prevent flu is by getting the flu vaccine every year, as early as possible to ensure you are protected before winter hits.