Student Health Center

Influenza A

What it is | How is it spread? | Symptoms?| Vaccine | Other Links

What is Influenza A?

Influenza A is one of the viruses that causes "the flu". The flu is a viral infection of the breathing tubes and lungs. Anyone can become infected, but the elderly and anyone with other health problems may become seriously ill or die from the flu or its complications

How is the flu spread?

It is spread from one person to another through sneezing or coughing. The virus is taken into the body through the nose or mouth. Even someone who does not yet feel sick, can pass the virus to others.

What are the symptoms?

• chills,
• fever, (usually high)
• headache,
• extreme tiredness
• dry cough
• runny or stuffy nose
• sore throat,
• muscle aches

How can I protect myself?

The best protection is to get a flu shot every year before the flu season starts. Each year the vaccine contains the types of flu virus expected to cause illness in the coming year. The vaccine begins to protect you after 1 to 2 weeks.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

• Anyone at risk
• Everyone 65 years or older
• Anyone with a chronic illness
• Anyone with suppressed immunity
• Anyone in contact with people at risk

In the United States, influenza usually occurs from about November until April. Typically, activity is very low until December, and peak activity most often occurs between late December (Winter Break) and early March (Spring Break). Influenza vaccine should be administered between September and mid-November. The optimal time for organized vaccination programs is usually the period October to mid-November. it takes about 1 to 2 weeks after vaccination for antibody against influenza to develop and provide protection. Much of the illness and death caused by influenza can be prevented by annual influenza vaccination.

Warnings

• Do not administer during an acute illness
• Do not administer to persons with history of being allergic to chicken eggs, chicken, chicken feather or dander
• Avoid pregnancy for at least 3 months following vaccine (The effects on the fetus are unknown therefore vaccination during pregnancy is not advised unless member of a high risk group and advised by a physician)
• Avoid if allergic to the flu vaccine
• Avoid if you have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
• Avoid if sensitive to Neomycin
• Avoid if impaired with immune responsiveness, thrombocytopenia, or any coagulation disorder.

Possible Side Effects

• Fever, malaise, muscle pain
• Tenderness at injection site, redness and swelling at injection site

What are signs of a moderate or severe reaction

• High fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Hoarseness or wheezing
• Hives
• Dizziness or weakness
• A fast heartbeat

• Paleness

Influenza vaccine produced in the United States has never been capable of causing influenza. The only type of influenza vaccine that has been licensed in the United States to the present time is made from killed influenza viruses, which cannot cause infection. An influenza vaccine that is made with live influenza viruses has been developed and may be marketed in the future. This vaccine is made with viruses that can confer immunity but do not cause classic influenza symptoms.

Where and when can I get the shot?

Your ISU Student Health Center offers the shot to students, faculty and staff starting in October or November.  Announcements will be in the ISU Statesmen and Global E-mail, or you can call 237-3883 for information

Where can I learn more about it?

Ask your family doctor or nurse
Check out this CDC Website
To find information about the vaccine go to the CDC Immunization Page