Taking the Flu Shot

The first wave of influenza usually appears early November in Iran. “As it takes 2 weeks for the body to develop immunity after vaccination, people should be administered the flu shot during September and October,” said Dr Mahmoud Nabavi, deputy minister of health and director of the Center for Control of Communicable Diseases on Tuesday. “The second and third flu waves continue till February and March. Every year, the first outbreak of the flu occurs in northwestern part of the country,” IRNA quoted him as saying. He advised high-risk groups (those living in cold areas, children, and sick people) to get vaccinated for influenza on time.