Influenza (Seasonal)
Συγγραφέας Μιχαήλ Ιασονίδης Γράφτηκε στις ,
The Disease
Almost every child gets the flu (influenza) from time to time. The flu is caused by a virus and usually occurs from October through May. The rates of infection are highest among children, and flu symptoms can last a week or longer. For most people, the flu can cause fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. Some people (especially those who have other illnesses) can get much sicker, and can develop symptoms such as high fever or pneumonia. On average is estimated that about 70-100 people die each year from influenza in Cyprus, according to the worldwide statistics.
The Immunization
There are two types of seasonal influenza vaccine: inactivated (killed) vaccine which is given by an injection (shot), and live attenuated (weakened) vaccine that is sprayed into the nostrils (is not available in Cyprus). The 2010-2011 flu vaccine includes as always three stains: 1) A H1N1, 2) A H2N3 and 3) B.
Because influenza viruses are always changing, scientists work every year to match the viruses in the vaccine to those most likely to cause flu that year. For this reason, it is recommended that influenza vaccines be received every year. It is recommended that everyone older than 6 months receive flu vaccine. Children younger than 9 years old who have never received a flu shot need to receive 2 doses of vaccine at least 1 month apart.
The live attenuated vaccine that is given as a nasal spray should not be given to children under 2 years of age, children with asthma, children on long-term aspirin treatment, or children younger than 5 who have experienced wheezing in the past year.
Quick Facts: What You Need to Know about Influenza
What is influenza?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Every year in the United States, on average:
• 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
• more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications; and
• about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes.
Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), are at high risk for serious flu complications.
Why get vaccinated?
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.
Who should get influenza vaccine and when?
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for high risk persons. During flu seasons when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) makes recommendations regarding priority groups for vaccination.
People who should get vaccinated each year are:
a. Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
b. Pregnant women
c. People 50 years of age and older
d. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
e. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
f. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
g. Health care workers
h. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
i. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
Some people should not get influenza vaccine or should wait.
Some people should not get inactivated influenza vaccine or should wait before getting it.
• Tell your doctor if you have any severe (life-threatening) allergies. Allergic reactions to influenza vaccine are rare.
a. Influenza vaccine virus is grown in eggs. People with a severe egg allergy should not get the vaccine.
b. A severe allergy to any vaccine component is also a reason to not get the vaccine.
c. If you have had a severe reaction after a previous dose of influenza vaccine, tell your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS). You may be able to get the vaccine, but your doctor should help you make the decision.
• People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting flu vaccine. If you are ill, talk to your doctor or nurse about whether to reschedule the vaccination. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine.
The Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) is not licensed for everyone.
The following people should get the inactivated vaccine (flu shot) instead:
• Adults 50 years of age and older or children between 6 months and 2 years of age. (Children younger than 6 months should not get either influenza vaccine.)
• Children younger than 5 with asthma or one or more episodes of wheezing within the past year.
• People who have long-term health problems with:
a. heart disease
b. kidney or liver disease
c. lung disease
d. metabolic disease, such as diabetes
e. asthma
f. anemia, and other blood disorders
• Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as seizure disorders or cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems. Anyone with a
• weakened immune system.
• Children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment.
• Pregnant women.
Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome (a severe paralytic illness also called GBS). You may be able to get the vaccine, but your doctor should help you make the decision.
The flu shot is preferred for people (including health-care workers and family members) in close contact with anyone who has a severely weakened immune system (requiring care in a protected environment, such as a bone marrow transplant unit). People in close contact with those whose immune systems are less severely weakened (including those with HIV) may get LAIV. Anyone with a nasal condition serious enough to make breathing difficult, such as a very stuffy nose, should get the flu shot instead.
Some people should talk with a doctor before getting either influenza vaccine:
• Anyone who has ever had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or another vaccine component, or to a previous dose of influenza vaccine. Tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies.
• People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting flu vaccine. If you are ill, talk to your doctor or nurse about whether to reschedule the vaccination. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine.
What are the risks from influenza vaccine?
Getting influenza is much riskier than getting the influenza vaccine. However, a vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of the influenza vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small.
Inactivated Influenza Vaccine:
Mild problems:
• soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• fever
• aches
If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.
Severe problems:
• Life-threatening allergic reactions are very rare. If they do occur, it is within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot.
Live, Intranasal Influenza Vaccine:
Mild problems:
Some children and adolescents 5-17 years of age have reported:
• runny nose, nasal congestion or cough
• fever
• headache and muscle aches
• abdominal pain or occasional vomiting or diarrhea
Some adults 18-49 years of age have reported:
• runny nose or nasal congestion
• sore throat
• cough, chills, tiredness/weakness
• headache
What if there is a serious reaction?
Any unusual conditions, such as a serious allergic reaction, high fever or unusual behavior. Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare with any vaccine. If one were to occur, it would most likely be within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccine. Signs can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness.
What should I do?
• Call a doctor or get the person to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given.
• Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form, or call VAERS yourself at 1-800-822-7967
