What is
Influenza?
Influenza (the flu) is a serious illness. It is caused by influenza A and B
viruses and occurs in Canada every year. Influenza causes fever, cough,
headache, muscle soreness, sore throat and stuffy nose. Influenza can lead
to pneumonia. It can also make other illnesses worse, especially chronic
illness and affect the lungs and heart.
Influenza spreads very easily from an infected person to others through
coughing and sneezing. It is also spread by direct contact with contaminated
surfaces or objects such as unwashed hands, clothes, toys, eating utensils,
etc. - after they have been contaminated by the flu virus.
What is Flu Vaccine?
Influenza vaccine provides adults and children with active immunity against
the influenza virus. It is not produced from human blood or blood products.
The vaccine cannot give you the flu because it does not contain live virus.
How well does influenza vaccine protect against the flu?
- Formulation is A/Solomon Islands, A/Wisconsin, B/Malaysia (depending on
which product).
- It protects about 70 percent of people who get a flu shot. You can still
get the flu, but you will be less sick than if you were not vaccinated. In
elderly people this vaccine can prevent pneumonia in about 6 out of 10
people and can prevent death in more than 8 out of 10 people.
- Less than 1 out of 3 people have some pain at the spot where the needle is
given. This lasts up to 2 days. Some people get muscle aches and fever and
feel tired for a day, or two after the needle.
DO NOT GET THE FLU VACCINE IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
- Severe allergy to eggs.
- Allergy to thimerosal (a preservative added to the influenza vaccine
(0.01%) to keep the vaccine from spoiling). An active neurological disorder or a past history of Guillan-Barre
Syndrome.
NOTE: Pregnancy and breastfeeding is not considered a contraindication to
vaccination.
Call your doctor if any of these symptoms happen within three days after the
needle:
- Hives
- Swelling of the mouth or throat
- Trouble breathing, hoarseness or wheezing
- Paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness
- Red eyes, respiratory symptoms (ORS), facial swelling or a combination of
these within 24 hours of receiving the vaccine and lasting 48 hours
- Any other unusual condition or serious reaction to the vaccine.
If you have any questions or concerns about Influenza Immunization, please
speak with the Nurse.
Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit -
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