Respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and influenza (the flu) are very common in India. The evolution of medical science has ensured that we have found ways to bring these diseases under control but they can still be of risk to vulnerable groups. The elderly, young children and those with existing medical conditions must, therefore, take preventive shots regularly in order to avoid complications. This is significant given the fact that viruses mutate and continue to attack our immune systems.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PNEUMONIA AND FLU SHOTS
There are significant differences between the pneumococcal vaccine (the pneumonia shot) and the flu shot. Those who have a significantly higher chance of contracting pneumococcal infections – pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections – must opt for the pneumococcal vaccine.
