What is influenza? Influenza (in-floo-EN-zah), or "the flu," is a disease that is caused by the influenza virus (germ). It is spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing. You have a higher chance of getting the flu during the fall and winter months. Symptoms include chills, fever, body aches, dry cough, sore throat, headache, and a runny nose. Healthy people can get better in a few days to a week after having the flu. However, influenza can cause health problems in some people that are serious, even life-threatening.
What is the influenza vaccine?
- The influenza vaccine helps decrease your risk of becoming ill from the influenza virus. Vaccines work by causing your body to make antibodies against certain germs. Antibodies are special cells in your blood that fight infection. After you receive the influenza vaccine, these antibodies "remember" the influenza germ from the vaccine. When you are exposed to the influenza virus later, your body recognizes it and is better able to fight it.
- Even after receiving the influenza vaccine, you may still become ill due to influenza. However, the illness may not be as bad as it would have been without the vaccine. The best time to get the influenza vaccine is in October or November. You become protected from the influenza virus about two weeks after receiving the vaccine. The influenza virus changes over time, so you will need to receive a new vaccine each year. There are two types of influenza vaccines:
- Inactivated influenza vaccine: This vaccine is also known as the flu shot. It is made from inactivated (killed) influenza germs, and is usually given as a shot into your arm. You cannot "catch" the flu from the flu shot because the germs used to make the vaccine are dead.
- Live, intranasal influenza vaccine: This vaccine is made from influenza germs that are weakened, but still alive. It is given as a spray into your nose. This vaccine is safe for certain healthy people. However, there is a small chance that people who receive this vaccine may spread the virus to certain high-risk people.
Who should get the inactivated influenza vaccine (flu shot)?
- Almost anyone who wishes to decrease their risk of becoming ill with the flu may get a flu shot. Certain people are at a higher risk for serious health problems if they become ill with the flu. It is especially important for these "high-risk" people to get the flu shot each year. A yearly flu shot is especially important for the following:
- People 50 years of age or older.
- People living in long-term care homes.
- People who have chronic (long-term) health problems. Examples include heart or lung problems, kidney problems, diabetes, or blood disorders.
- People who have weakened immune systems and cannot fight infections very well. This includes people with cancer or HIV/AIDS, or people taking steroid medicine long-term.
- Any child between the ages of 6 to 23 months.
- Any child between 6 months and 18 years of age who takes aspirin regularly.
- Anyone living with or caring for a child from birth to 23 months of age.
- Women who will be pregnant during flu season.
- Anyone living with or caring for people who have an increased risk of serious health problems from the flu.
- Talk to your caregiver before getting a flu shot if:
- You have had an allergic reaction to eggs.
- You have had a bad reaction to an influenza vaccine in the past.
- You have had Guillain-Barre Syndrome in the past.
- You have a fever or severe illness.
Who may get the live, intranasal influenza vaccine instead of the flu shot?
- Most healthy children and adults from ages 5 through 49 years old may receive the intranasal vaccine.
- Talk to your caregiver before getting the intranasal vaccine if:
- You have had an allergic reaction to eggs.
- You have had a bad reaction to an influenza vaccine in the past.
- You have a fever or severe illness.
- The following people should not get the intranasal vaccine:
- Children under 5 years old, or adults over 50 years old.
- People who have chronic (long-term) health problems. Examples include heart or lung problems, kidney problems, diabetes, or blood disorders.
- People who have weakened immune systems and cannot fight infections very well. This includes people with cancer or HIV/AIDS, or people taking steroid medicine long-term.
- Those who are often around people with severely weakened immune systems.
- Any child under 18 years of age who takes aspirin regularly.
- Pregnant women.
- People with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
What are the risks of getting the influenza vaccine?
- After receiving a flu shot: You may have redness, swelling, or soreness where the shot was given. This may last for up to two days. You may also have fever or body aches for a day or two.
- After receiving the intranasal vaccine: Most problems that may happen after receiving the intranasal vaccine are mild. You may have a runny or stuffy nose, coughing, a headache or body aches, or a sore throat. You may have a fever, abdominal (belly) pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Risks with both the flu shot and the intranasal vaccine: Any medicine may cause serious problems. However, the risk of serious problems due to the influenza vaccine is very small. Talk to your caregiver if you have questions or concerns.
What should I do if I have a serious reaction to the influenza vaccine?
- If you have any of the following symptoms, call your caregiver:
- High fever or shaking chills.
- Trouble thinking clearly, or changes in your behavior.
- Weakness, dizziness, or a fast heart beat.
- Hives, skin rash, or itching.
- If you have any of the following symptoms seek immediate medical care:
- Hoarseness, wheezing, trouble breathing, or trouble swallowing.
- Swelling in your mouth, throat, or tongue.
- Tightness in your chest.
- Feeling like you are going to pass out.
Where can I find more information about the influenza vaccine? For more information, contact the following:
- The National Immunization Program Public Inquiries
1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-05
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: 1-800-232-4636
Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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