MoH mulls vaccination against infectious respiratory diseases

Dr Ghanim advises protection from seasonal influenza

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 4: The Ministry of Health will launch a winter vaccination campaign against infectious respiratory diseases, which include seasonal influenza and bacterial pneumonia (pneumococcal), within this week, reports Al-Jarida daily quoting informed sources from the health sector.

Sources revealed the campaign, which will continue until the end of December, aims to reduce the incidence of infectious winter diseases, deaths and complications resulting from these diseases; especially among those vulnerable to infection and complications.

Sources emphasized the importance of getting vaccination for seasonal influenza and bacterial pneumonia this year due to the spread of COVID-19 virus. Sources clarified there is no relationship between obtaining the seasonal flu vaccination and prevention and protection from coronavirus, but it has been confirmed that a person infected with influenza is more susceptible to COVID-19 infection, especially if his immune system is weak.

Sources said the campaign targets all segments and age groups, particularly the elderly and those suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, those with weak immune system, pregnant women, patients with kidney failure, and those with bronchitis and chest allergies.

Sources added the above-mentioned vaccines will be available in more than 35 preventive health centers in various health districts; indicating that about 450 doctors, technicians and health workers from the Public Health Department, and other sectors in the ministry will be part of the campaign.

Meanwhile, internal and epidemiological disease consultant at the Adan Hospital Dr Ghanim Al Hujailan encourages people to take injection against the seasonal influenza especially since the COVID-19 cases keep increasing and to lessen the danger of the virus, reports AlSeyassah daily.

Al-Hujailan said in special statement to the daily modern studies show if a person gets infected with the influenza and COVID-19 it can be fatal.

At the beginning of October the danger of seasonal flu increases, therefore it is necessary to take all precautionary measures without leaving anything to chance.

Al-Hujailan noted at the moment 90 percent of the cases visiting the primary health care are suffering from breathing problems and the symptoms are similar to corona.

He noted doctors are facing great difficulty in distinguishing between seasonal flu and corona infection and therefore advises chest X-ray.

He added, in Europe it has been discovered that the COVID-19 infection spreads through genetic mutation (D614g).