Wednesday, October 30, 2002

Influenza (the "flu") is a respiratory infection caused by viruses. Influenza is easily passed from person to person. The virus is primarily spread by coughing and sneezing of infected persons or direct contact, either with infected persons or contaminated surfaces.

Annually, in the United States this viral infection affects 10-20 percent of the population, more than 110,000 people are hospitalized and 20,000 people die of influenza and its complications. Complications of influenza include pneumonia, worsening of chronic medical conditions (i.e.. asthma, congestive heart failure, or diabetes) and death. Much of the illness and death caused by influenza can be prevented by annual Flu vaccination.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of the flu may include a fever that may last three to four days, chills, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, weakness, extreme exhaustion, runny nose, sneezing, sore or dry throat, cough and laryngitis. These symptoms may last several days or a week or more; complete recovery is usual. However, complications may lead to pneumonia or death in some people.

Population at risk

Beginning in 2000, all persons aged 50 to 64 years were added to the groups recommended for annual vaccination. Additional persons for whom influenza vaccine is recommended are; health-care workers, people who provide important community services, the elderly and people with chronic illness (i.e. diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, asthma, lung disease or respiratory disorders) and people who live with or take care of those in these high risk groups. Students or persons in institutional settings (e.g. those who reside in dormitories, or student housing) should be encouraged to receive the vaccine to minimize the disruption of routine activities.

Epidemic months

In the United States, flu epidemics occur in the months between November and May, especially in temperate zones. Therefore, the best time to receive an influenza vaccine is during the months of October, November, and December. You can receive the vaccine until February or March.

Vaccine and side effects

The flu vaccine contains a highly purified, safe and potent mixture of trivalent vaccine of prevalent viral strains (usually type A and type B). This vaccine will not give you the flu because the vaccine is made of killed viruses. The vaccine is made from viruses selected by the office of Biologics, Food and Drug Administration, and the Public Health Services. The side effects of the flu vaccine are generally mild in adults and occur at low frequency. These side effects may include tenderness at the injection site, fever, chills, headache or muscle aches. These symptoms may last up to 48 hours.

Individuals who are allergic to eggs, chickens, chicken feathers, or chicken dander and thimerosal (mercury products) or have Guillain-Barr Syndrome should not receive this vaccine until they have consulted with their healthcare provider. In addition, individuals with a fever should not receive this vaccine.