Influenza immunization (vaccine)
Alternative names:
flu shot immunization; flu vaccine; vaccine - influenza
Information:
DEFINITION
A vaccine to protect people from contracting influenza, a viral illness affecting the respiratory tract. In the U.S., "flu" outbreaks typically occur between November and April. Symptoms of influenza include fever, chills, muscle aching, and cough. Although the illness usually only lasts 3 to 7 days, some people have more severe cases or complications that require hospitalization. Thousands of people in the U.S. die each year as the result of the flu or its complications.
VACCINE INFORMATION
The viruses that cause influenza change rapidly, making different strains coexist on the planet at any given time. Influenza vaccines are developed each year to protect people from the three strains expected to be most prevalent. All the viruses in the vaccine are killed, so it is not possible to get the flu from the vaccine. Since the immunity provided by the vaccine wanes after several months, it is given at the beginning of the "flu season"--usually late October or early November in the U.S. People traveling to other countries should be aware that influenza occurs throughout the year in tropical countries and that the "flu season" for temperate countries in the Southern Hemisphere is April to September.
IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE
The vaccine is recommended for high-risk people:- all people 65 years or older
- adults and children with chronic lung or heart problems
- residents of nursing homes (extended care facilities)
- residents of any institution housing people with chronic health problems
- people treated in the last year for cystic fibrosis, kidney disease, anemia, severe asthma, or chronic metabolic illnesses (such as diabetes)
- people with immunological deficits (such as chemotherapy patients and HIV-positive people)
- children and teenagers receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
The vaccine is also recommended for health care providers attending to high-risk people:- health care personnel in hospital, outpatient, extended care facilities, home health
- family members attending to the needs of high-risk people in their home
BENEFITS
Most people achieve protection from influenza vaccine approximately 2 weeks after receiving the immunization.
Immunization of high-risk people decreases many potential deaths from influenza. Immunization of those caring for high-risk people decreases the potential of spreading the "flu" from otherwise healthy people to those who are at higher risk of complications.
RISKS
Most people have no side effects from the influenza vaccine. Soreness at the injection site and/or minor aches and low grade fever may be present for several days.
Unlike the swine flu vaccine of 1876, flu vaccines in recent years have shown no association with Guillain-Barre syndrome.
As is the case with any drug or vaccine, there is a remote possibility that allergic, more serious reactions or even death may occur after receiving the flu shot.
DELAY OR DO NOT GIVE (CONTRAINDICATIONS)
Influenza vaccine should be withheld or only given to the following after consultation with the primary care provider:+- persons with an allergy to eggs
- people with a fever or illness that is more than "just a cold"
- anyone who has exhibited a moderate to severe reaction after a previous influenza shot
- women who are or might be pregnant
- anyone who has ever been paralyzed due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome
POST-IMMUNIZATION SYMPTOMS AND CARE
Watch for and be familiar with how to treat minor side effects such as injection site tenderness or low grade fever.
CALL THE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF- uncertain if the influenza vaccine should be delayed, withheld, or given to a specific person.
- moderate or serious adverse effects appear after the influenza injection has been given.
- or there are any questions or concerns related to the influenza immunization.
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The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Copyright 2000 adam.com, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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