Influenza vaccine

What is the flu?

Influenza is an infection of the upper respiratory tract and is caused by the influenza virus. Strains of influenza from year to year are different. There are two main types of virus, infecting people:

• Type A;
• Type B.

Influenza can get sick inhaling selection (saliva, phlegm cough and sneeze) infected human virus. Influenza can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, and further touch hand to your mouth or nose.

Each year (usually at the beginning of October), influenza epidemic spread worldwide. Anyone can catch them, but some patients have a high risk of complications. A group of people with an increased risk of complications include:

• Age – younger 5 years;
• Advanced age – 65 and older;
• The presence of certain diseases, including:
  • Chronic lung disease (eg, asthma);
  • Cardiovascular disease;
  • Kidney disease or liver disease;
  • Neurologic, blood disease, or metabolic disorders (eg, diabetes);
• The consequences of the lowering of immune system function (eg, HIV);
• Pregnancy;
• Children or teens, long take aspirin;
• Living in nursing homes or other long-term care;
• The presence of severe obesity.

Symptoms of influenza include:

• Fever and chills;
• Severe pain in the muscles;
• Cough;
• Severe fatigue;
• Headache;
• Decreased appetite, other gastrointestinal symptoms (eg, nausea, vomiting);
• Cold, nasal congestion;
• Sneezing;
• Lacrimation, conjunctivitis;
• Sore throat;
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Treatment may include:

• Bed rest;
• Drinking large amounts of fluids;
• Taking pain, prescription without prescription;
• Reception protivootečnyh funds;
• Taking medications for cough;
• Antivirals.

What is the flu vaccine?

There are two types of flu vaccine:

• The flu shot – trehvalentnaya influenza vaccine;
• Nazalynыy spray (FluMist) – vaccine against influenza, contains live, attenuated viruses.

Flu shots are intended for use in people older than six months. They are produced from inactivated, killed virus. Injected vaccine, usually, in the arm.

Flu vaccine in the form of a nasal spray is intended for healthy people aged 2-49 years, who are not pregnant. It is made from live, attenuated influenza viruses. When applying the vaccine is sprayed into the nose.

Both vaccines contain three viral strain of influenza type strains, contained in the vaccine may vary from year and consists of viruses, that, expected, will be circulated during the flu season.

There is also a high-dose vaccine (Fluzone), which may apply under 65 and older.

When and who should get vaccinated against the flu?

Doctors recommend that persons under the age of six months and older to get vaccinated against influenza.

Acquire immunity against influenza takes about two weeks after vaccination. Even if the vaccine was taken, There is still a chance the flu. If symptoms you need to inform your physician about them.

The flu shot can be done at any time of the year, However, flu season usually lasts from October to May. The best time for vaccination – the emergence of a specific type of vaccine for seasonal influenza.

If a child under the age of 9 years, perhaps, you will need to enter two doses of influenza vaccine, to help him develop immunity to the virus. Before inoculation should consult with a physician, to find out, How many doses will be needed for the child.

What are the risks, associated with influenza vaccine?

Almost all people, who are vaccinated against influenza vaccine have no problems. But, There are certain risks, associated with vaccination. Any vaccine, there is a small risk of serious problems, including severe allergic reactions.

Side effects, related to privivkomi from the flu include:

• Soreness, redness and swelling around the injection site;
• Low-grade fever;
• Muscle aches.

Side effects, associated with vaccine nasal spray:

• Cold;
• Headache;
• Vomiting;
• Muscle aches;
• Fever;
• Sore throat;
• Cough.

Who should not be vaccinated with influenza vaccine?

Some people should consult with a physician, before vaccinated flu vaccine. These include the following categories:

• With heavy (dangerous for life) allergies (including allergic to eggs);
• People, who have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past;
• People, with Guillain Barre syndrome;
• While the need for the introduction of the vaccine people sick with the flu;
• Received any other vaccines in the past 4 weeks (only for nasal spray).

The following categories of people should not be taken as a nasal spray vaccine:

• Age – 50 and older;
• Children aged less than 24 months;
• Children under the age of 5 years, who have asthma (including shortness of breath);
• Pregnant women;
• People with chronic diseases (eg, with heart disease, Lung diseases, asthma, kidney or liver disorders, metabolic disorders, suffering from blood diseases);
• People with nerve or muscle disorders;
• People with weakened immune systems;
• People, staying in close contact with those, who has a weakened immune system (the risk of infection);
• Children and adolescents, for a long time, taking aspirin.

What other ways can you prevent the flu?

Preventive measures may include:

• Avoiding close contact with people, who have respiratory infections;
• Frequent hand washing with SOAP 15-20 seconds, especially after contact with flu patients. Wiping hands alcohol-based cleaner is also useful;
• You do not need to share with the flu drink or personal belongings;
• Need to cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
• It is not recommended to touch hands eyes, mouth or nose.

What happens in case of flu outbreak?

In the event of a flu outbreak requires early vaccination of susceptible to influenza people. Besides, use of antiviral drugs (eg, oseltamivir, zanamivir) can reduce the duration of sickness, When taken two days after the onset of symptoms of influenza. And finally, people, influenza-infected should be isolated as soon as possible.