Influenza Immunization (Vaccine)
Alternate Names : Flu Shot Immunization, Flu Vaccine, Vaccine - Influenza
Definition This vaccination protects people from contracting influenza, a viral illness affecting the respiratory tract.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Description
In the U.S., "flu" outbreaks typically occur in winter months. Symptoms of influenza include fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough. Although the illness usually only lasts 3 to 7 days, some people have more severe cases or complications that require hospitalization.
Thousands of people in the U.S. die each year as the result of the flu or its complications. Most of those who die are the elderly, young children, or people with compromised immune systems.
The viruses that cause influenza change rapidly. Influenza vaccines are developed each year to protect people from the strains expected to be most prevalent. All the viruses in the vaccine are killed, so it is not possible to get the flu from the vaccine. However, some people do experience a low-grade fever afterwards as their immune systems gear up to recognize the virus.
Flu vaccination is generally given at the beginning of the "flu season" -- usually late October or early November in the United States. People traveling to other countries should be aware that influenza may occur at different times of the year in other areas.
|
