Healthy Living and Fitness

Illness Care: Influenza

Prevention

Influenza can be prevented with a high degree of success when a person receives the current influenza vaccine. The vaccine must be updated yearly because the viruses mutate, changing into new strains that the old vaccine is ineffective against. The viruses in the vaccine are inactivated so that someone vaccinated cannot get influenza from the vaccine. Instead the person vaccinated develops antibodies against the virus.
The amount of antibodies in the body is greatest 1 or 2 months after vaccination and then gradually declines. Because timing of the vaccine heightens its effectiveness, doctors advise people to get flu vaccines between October and November, the start of the flu season. The vaccination has been found to be about 75 percent effective in preventing influenza. It may also reduce the severity of influenza and can be lifesaving.

People at high risk should be vaccinated yearly against influenza. In addition, those who provide care to high-risk patients should be vaccinated. The influenza vaccine is strongly recommended for people who are:

• Age 50 or older
• Suffering from certain chronic illnesses, especially chronic diseases of the heart, lung or kidneys; diabetes; or severe forms of anaemia
• Suffering from illnesses that lower immune defences
• Taking medications that suppress the immune system
• Residents of nursing homes and assisted-living centres
• Children and teenagers who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
• Health care workers and others in close contact with anyone in the above high-risk groups

The majority of people have little or no reaction to the vaccine. One in four might have a swollen, red, tender area where the vaccination was given. A much smaller number, probably more children than adults, might also develop a slight fever within 24 hours. They may have chills or a headache, or feel a little sick. People who already have a respiratory disease may find their symptoms get worse. Usually none of these reactions lasts for more than a few days.
Due to the nature of the preparation of the flu vaccine, it should not be given to people with an egg allergy.

Hygiene

The chances of getting influenza can be lowered by practicing good hygiene, especially frequent hand washing. Hand washing helps to wash away the influenza virus, which is often spread through direct contact for example shaking hands and touching contaminated surfaces). Personal hygiene is also important to avoid the rest of the family becoming infected. The wearing of surgical masks (available from pharmacies) may be worthwhile for any contacts who might be at particular risk.

 

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