Influenza - in-floo-EN-za virus vaccine is using to prevent infection by the influenza viruses. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection - antibodies against the disease. It is also known as a “flu shot.” New for the 2003-2004 flu season, influenza virus vaccine is also available as a nasal spray.
There are many kinds of influenza viruses, but not all will cause problems in any given year. Therefore, before the influenza vaccine for each year is produced, the World Health Organization - WHO and the USA and Canadian Public Health Services decide which influenza viruses will be most likely to cause influenza infection that year. Then they include the antigens - substances that cause protective antibodies to be formed to these viruses in the influenza vaccine made available. Usually, the USA and Canada use the same influenza vaccine; however, they are not required to do so.
It is necessary to receive an influenza vaccine injection each year, since influenza infections are usually causing by various kinds of influenza viruses each year and because the protection gained by the vaccine lasts less than a year.
Influenza is a virus infection of the throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. Influenza infection causes fever, chills, cough, headache and muscle aches and pains in your back, arms and legs. In addition, adults and children weakened by other diseases or medical conditions and people 50 years of age and over, even if they are healthy, may get a much more serious illness and may have to be treated in a hospital. Each year thousands of people die as a result of an influenza infection.
The best way to help prevent influenza infection is to get an influenza vaccination each year, usually in early November. Immunization - administration of vaccine against influenza is approved for infants 6 months of age and over, all children and all adults.
Influenza virus vaccine may not protect all people given the vaccine.
This vaccine is to be aplaying only by or under the supervision of your family doctor or other health care professional. It is available in the following dosage form:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA
In Canada
Generic name product may be available in the USA
Another commonly using name is flu vaccine .