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 master the flu each year. a certain people get very sick. Each year, about 130000 race go to a hospital with the flu and 20000 the bulk of mankind die because of the flu and complications.

The flu may cause ferment cough, sore throat, a runny nose or a close nose, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. a people describe the flu as being like the worst boreal of their life. Most the community feel better after one or pair weeks, but for some the public the flu leads to serious, level life-threatening diseases, such as pneumonia. Influenza vaccine (the flu shot) is commended for people who are more likely to finish really sick and need to be guarded 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 point to be solved [i]or[/i] settled such as asthma or emphysema

* Have a keep downed immune system

* Have a question with your kidneys

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

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

Other population also should get the vaccine because they might spread the flu to high-risk the community You should get the vaccine if you work in a long-term care facility. equable if you are not at higher risk, you may want to secure the flu vaccine so you don't get by heart sick with the flu.

What is the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is a marksman It contains killed viruses. You can't earn the flu from the vaccine because the viruses are dead. if it were not that your body builds up antibodies to the virus to guard you from the flu. When a "live" virus present to views up, your defenses are ready. These defense maintain you from getting the flu Because flu viruses change from year to year, you must finish the shot each year to be protected

If I procure a flu shot, can I still learn the flu?

Ye equal with a flu shot, you aren't completely defend ed Each year, the flu vaccine contains three different strains (kinds) of the virus. The strains chosen are those that scientists believe are greatest in quantity 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 populace younger than 65 years. If you're older than 65 the vaccine is les likely to intercept the flu. If you learn the flu after the vaccine, however, your flu symptoms should be milder than if you didn't gain the vaccine. You will also be les likely to acquire complications from the flu.

Is the vaccine safe?

Ye The flu vaccine is safe for commonalty older than six months. There are not many side effects. Your arm may be sore for a not many days. You may have a febrile affection feel tired, or have sore muscles for a short time.

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

more [i]or[/i] less pregnant women should not obtain the flu shot. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant and want to get by heart the flu vaccine.

Where can I learn more about the flu shot?

For more information, you can call the Center for Disease ascendency and Prevention's National Immunization Information Hotline at these numbers: 1-800-232-2522 (English) 1-800-232-0233 (Spanish)

COPYRIGHT 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians

COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group