October 25, 2002

Influenza

This is the time of year to get vaccinated against influenza (the flu). Common symptoms of the illness include fever, headaches, cough, sore throat, coryza, general body, aches and malaise. Cough is often severe and protracted but most other manifestations are usually self-limited, with recovery in 2 – 7 days. The transmission of the disease is mainly airborne among crowded populations in enclosed spaces. Transmission may also occur by direct contact, since the influenza virus may persist for hours, particularly in the cold and in low humidity. There are approximately 20,000 deaths per year in the United States due to the influenza viruses. Frequently the virus changes its structural components and makes the vaccine prepared against the previously known virus less effective and results in severe infection despite vaccination. Because of this, influenza vaccine is updated each year (and given yearly) by incor-porating new components into the vaccine. Protection develops one to two weeks after vaccination and may last up to a year.

People at risk for acquiring a serious case of influenza, complications due to influenza, or people in close contact with influenza patients should get the vaccine. Persons at risk include:

• Everyone 65 years of age or older.

• Residents of long-term care facilities housing people with chronic medical conditions.

• Anyone who has a serious long-term health problem with heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney disease, metabolic disease, such as diabetes, anemia and other blood disorders.

• Anyone whose immune system is weakened because of HIV/AIDS or other diseases that affect the immune system, treatment with drugs such as long-term steroids or cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs.

• Anyone 6 months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment (who could develop Reyes Syndrome if they catch influenza).

• Women who will be more than three months pregnant during the influenza season.

• Physicians, nurses, or anyone else coming in close contact with people at risk of influenza either in their place of work or in their own household.

For more information about influenza vaccine and availability, contact your primary care physician or local retailers who may offer special clinics. 

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