Influenza A (the Flu)

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?

Symptoms of the flu include: chills, fever, headache, dry cough sore throat, and muscle aches symptoms.

How can I protect myself from Influenza A?

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 take a flu shot?

• 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 Gullain-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 if there is a moderate or severe reaction?

What you should look for is any unusual condition such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness.

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.

When & where can I get flu shot?

The Student Health Center at Indiana State University offers influenza vaccine during October-November for students, staff, and faculty. Advertisements will be in the Indiana Statesman, Global email, and flyers or you can call 812-237-3883 for further information.

How can I learn more?

• Ask your doctor or nurse. They can give you the vaccine
  package insert or suggest other resources of information.
   

• Call your local or state health department.
   

• Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at
  1-800-232-2522 (English) 1-800-232-0233 (Spanish)
   

• Visit the National Immunization Program's website at http://www.cdc.gov/nip