What is influenza? Influenza (als...

What is influenza?

Influenza (also called the flu) is a viral infection in the nose, throat, and lung About 10 to 20 percent of Americans get by heart the flu each year. a certain quantity of people get very sick. Each year, about 130000 nation go to a hospital with the flu and 20000 the community die because of the flu and complications.

The flu may cause febrile affection cough, sore throat, a runny nose or a musty nose, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. more [i]or[/i] less people describe the flu as being like the worst biting of their life. Most race feel better after one or sum of two units weeks, but for some the public the flu leads to serious, equal life-threatening diseases, such as pneumonia. Influenza vaccine (the flu shot) is commited for people who are more likely to obtain really sick and need to be defend ed from getting the flu.

Who is at higher risk?

You have a higher risk of flu complications like pneumonia if you:

* Are 50 years or older

* Are a health care worker

* Have a lung question such as asthma or emphysema

* Have a restrained immune system

* Have a vexed question with your kidneys

* Have diabetes, heart disease, or other long-term health problems

If you are in any of these clusters you should probably get the flu vaccine each year.

Other the bulk of mankind also should get the vaccine because they might spread the flu to high-risk commonalty You should get the vaccine if you work in a long-term care facility. on the same level if you are not at higher risk, you may want to win the flu vaccine so you don't get by heart sick with the flu.

What is the flu vaccine?

There are sum of two units kinds of flu vaccine. The first kind is a shooter that contains killed viruses. You can't earn the flu from the projectile because the viruses are dead. Your carcass builds up antibodies to the virus to shield you from the flu. When a "live" virus point out tos up, your defenses are ready. These defense maintain you from getting the flu

The other kind is a liquid that you spray up your nose (a nasal mist). The nasal mist contains live viruses. These viruses have been changed with equal reason they do not grow well at dead body temperature, but cause your material substance to build up antibodies to the actual flu virus. single healthy people five to 49 years of age can use the nasal mist.

Because flu viruses change from year to year, you must procure the shot or use the nasal mist each year to be protected

If I win a flu shot or use the nasal mist, can I still gain the flu?

Ye steady with a flu shot or the nasal mist, you aren't completely patronizeed Each year, the flu vaccine contains three different strains (kinds) of the virus. The strains chosen are those that scientists believe are principally likely to show up in the United States that year. If their choice is right, the vaccine is 70 to 90 percent effective in preventing the flu in healthy the bulk of mankind younger than 65 years. If you're older than 65 the vaccine is les likely to debar the flu. If you get by heart the flu after the vaccine, however, your flu symptoms should be milder than if you didn't gain the vaccine. You also will be les likely to secure complications from the flu.

Is the vaccine safe?

Ye The flu discharge is safe for people older than six month The missile has few side effects. Your arm may be sore for a small in number days. You may have a febrile affection feel tired, or have sore muscles for a short time.

The nasal mist is safe for folks older than five years. However, persons who have asthma or other airway diseases, and immune deficiency diseases or immunosuppression should not use the nasal mist. The nasal mist has a not many side effects, including runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, and cough

any people are allergic to the flu vaccine. If you have a unrelenting allergy to eggs, you shouldn't win the shot or use the nasal mist. You should talk to your doctor about your instigate allergy. He or she will acknowledge you if it is okay for you to realize a flu vaccine.

about pregnant women should not realize a flu vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant and want to learn a flu vaccine.

Where can I learn more about the flu shot?

For more information, you can call the Center for Disease dominion government and Prevention's National Immunization Information Hotline at these numbers:

1-800-232-2522 (English)

1-800-232-0233 (Spanish)

COPYRIGHT 2004 American Academy of Family Physicians

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group