Respiratory tract infection caused by one of the influenza viruses.
3 Different Influenza Viruses:
Type A (most common)
Type B (usually associated with milder symptoms)
Type C
Each type also has different subgroups or strains, so each year the influenza virus is slightly different and can infect people several times during their lifetime.
Usually strikes between December and early April.
Epidemics usually peak in January and February.
Influenza Prevention:
Best way to prevent influenza is by getting a Flu shot every October or November.
Flu shots are about 80% effective in preventing influenza.
Very few people have side effects.
About 1% to 2% have mild influenza-like symptoms in the 1st 24 hours after getting the vaccine.
Contrary to popular myth, you CANNOT get influenza from a Flu shot.
CDC recommends the Flu shot for the following people:
All persons age 65 or older
Household members (including children) of persons in high-risk groups (such as health care workers & employees of hospitals, medical offices, nursing homes, and chronic care facilities)
Children and adults who have chronic diseases of the heart, lungs, kidneys, diabetes, or any condition that weaken the immune system
Children and teens who are receiving long-term treatment with aspirin because they are at a higher risk for Reye's syndrome
Women who will be past the 1st trimester of pregnancy during the Flu season
Flu shots will begin to provide its protective effect 1 or 2 weeks after receiving the injection.
Immunity decreases usually after several months.
Flu shots will not protect all persons against influenza.
Flu shots will not protect against other illnesses that resemble influenza.
Dosage: only 1 Flu shot is needed each year for everyone 12 years and older.
Possible Side Effects:
most people have no side effects
Flu shots can be given by injection or nasal mist
injections are usually given in the muscle of the upper arm often causing fever and aches for 1-2 days
allergic response, more serious reactions, or even death can occur from the Flu shot
Warnings:
people with an allergy to eggs should not get the Flu shot
people with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome should not get the Flu shot
women who are or might be pregnant should discuss the risks with their doctor
Flu shots should be delayed for illnesses with fever
