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| INFLUENZA |
PATIENT INFORMATION
INFLUENZA or the "FLU":
• Is a respiratory tract infection caused by one of the flu viruses. |
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• There are three different flu viruses, type A (most common), B (usually milder), and C. Each of these viruses also has different subgroups/strains, so each year the flu virus is slightly different and can infect people several times during their lifetime. |
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• Flu viruses usually strike between December and early April. Epidemics usually peak in January and February. |
HOW CAN INFLUENZA BE PREVENTED?
The best way to prevent influenza is to get 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% may have mild flu-like symptoms in the first
24 hours after getting a flu shot, but you cannot get the flu from a flu shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu shot for the following persons:
| • All persons aged 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). |
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• Children and adults who have chronic diseases of the heart, lungs, or kidneys; persons with diabetes or any conditions that weaken the immune system. |
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• Children and teens who are receiving long-term treatment with aspirin (They are at a higher risk for Reye's syndrome.) |
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• Woman who will be past the first trimester of pregnancy (14 weeks gestation) during the flu season. |
| About The Influenza Vaccine |
The vaccine will begin to provide its protective effect after one or two weeks, and immunity may decrease, on average, after several months. Flu shots will not protect all persons who get them against the flu. They also will not protect against other illnesses that resemble the flu.
Dosage: Only a single flu shot is needed each season for persons older than 12 years.
Possible side effects
from the vaccine:
Most people have no side effects. Flu shots are given by injection, usually
into a muscle of the upper arm. This can cause fever or aches for 1-2
days, as is the case with most vaccines. There is a slight possibility
that allergies, more serious reactions, or even death, could occur
with the flu shot.
Warnings, before taking the flu shot:
| • People who are allergic to EGGS should not be vaccinated. | |
• Anyone who has ever been paralyzed with Guillain-Barre syndrome should not be vaccinated. |
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• Women who might be or are pregnant should ask their doctor about risks. |
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• Persons who are ill or have fever should delay taking the vaccine. |
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2001 by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
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