Sanofi Pasteur intensifies its fight to prevent influenza

Considering the grave impact of the disease across India in the beginning of 2015, actor- director- singer Farhan Akhtar has chosen to spread awareness about flu prevention. 

Speaking about the initiative, Jean-Pierre Baylet, Country Head - Sanofi Pasteur India, said, “Influenza is a serious and contagious disease that often gets mistaken for common cold. As seen during the early part of the year, influenza outbreaks can cause significant morbidity and mortality and strain the health care system. According to the WHO, the principal way of reducing Influenza burden is by vaccination. However lack of awareness is a limiting factor in vaccine usage. Sanofi Pasteur, India is therefore embarking on an initiative to educate the masses and improve awareness on Influenza and its prevention. We are delighted that Farhan Akhtar is supporting the cause of flu prevention to ignite attitudinal change towards influenza and its prevention.”

Regarding his decision to support the cause, Farhan Akhtar said, “I was shocked to see the impact that flu has had across India in the last few months. As a parent, I was concerned for my children’s welfare and hence, consulted their pediatrician. It was surprising to learn that flu is not a common cold, but a serious viral infection that carries a high risk especially amongst children below the age of 5. It was reassuring to know that flu can be prevented and children can be protected against flu through timely vaccination. This was a revelation to me, and I am sure that there are others too who have misconceptions about the disease, inadvertently risking their children’s lives. Hence, in my capacity as a public figure, I decided to support the initiative to spread the message on flu prevention.”