HSA Influenza Research

influenza is responsible for an average of more than 20,000 deaths annually.[1]

High-dose influenza vaccine appears to have the potential to prevent nearly one-quarter of all breakthrough influenza illnesses in seniors (≥65 y) compared with

-dose vaccine, according to results from a phase IIIb-IV double-blind, active-controlled trial.[

A total of 31,989 participants were randomly assigned to receive either a high dose (IIV3-HD) (60 μg of hemagglutinin per strain) or a standard dose (IIV3-SD) (15 μg of hemagglutinin per strain) of a trivalent, inactivated influenza vaccine.

The percentage of seniors with postvaccination hemagglutination-inhibition titers of 1:40

Although reports of at least one serious adverse event were greater in the IIV3-HD group (8.3%) than in the IIV3-SD group (9.0%) (relative risk, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85 to 0.99), all resolved by the end of the study and none required discontinuation from the study

The presentation of influenza virus infection varies, but it usually includes many of the following signs and symptoms:

Fever Sore throat Myalgias Frontal or retro-orbital headache Nasal discharge Weakness and severe fatigue Cough and other respiratory symptoms Tachycardia Red, watery eyes

Avian influenza (H5N1) is rare in humans in developed countries

When you wake up

also known as the flu

severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

Both type A and type B flu viruses are responsible for the seasonal outbreaks of flu. Type A flu viruses are found in many different animals,

If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about your illness, especially if you are at high risk for complications of the flu, you should consult your health care provider. Those at high risk for complications include people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and young children.

Antiviral drugs may also be prescribed for treating the flu, depending upon the duration of illness, severity of symptoms, and your medical history.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

1. Avoid close contact.Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

Flu(http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivitysurv.htm) activity has returned to summer-time levels in the United States. H3N2

here was a wave of influenza B activity starting in early March. According to a report published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)

Influenza antiviral drugs(http://www.cdc.gov/flu/antivirals/index.htm) can treat flu illness

CDC recommends these drugs be used to treat people who are very sick or who are at high risk of serious flu-related complications(http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm)

Children 0-4 years of age have the second-highest hospitalization rate this season.

Symptoms of influenza infection include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, fatigue (tiredness), and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults).

The United States experiences epidemics of seasonal flu each year. This time of year is called "flu season." While influenza activity has declined in recent weeks and the flu season is coming to a close, most of CDC’s influenza surveillance systems still show elevated activity.

There are several factors that make it difficult to determine accurate numbers of deaths caused by flu regardless of reporting.

the sheer volume of deaths to be counted; not everyone that dies with an influenza-like illness is tested for influenza; and influenza-associated deaths are often a result of complications secondary to underlying medical problems, and this may be difficult to sort out.

Flu viruses are constantly changing and it's not unusual for new seasonal flu viruses to appear each year.

When viruses change in that way, they are said to be “drifted” viruses.

he timi

g of flu

s very unpredictable and can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season

However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May.

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine(http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/index.htm) for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.

In addition to getting a seasonal flu vaccine if you have not already gotten vaccinated, you can take everyday preventive actions(http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits/index.htm) like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading flu to others.

A number of different manufacturers produce trivalent (three component) influenza vaccines for the U.S. market, including intramuscular (IM), intradermal, and nasal spray vaccines.

Multiple studies conducted over different seasons and across vaccine types and influenza virus subtypes have shown that the body’s immunity to influenza viruses (acquired either through natural infection or vaccination) declines over time.

Yes. It’s possible to get sick with the flu even if you have been vaccinated (although you won’t know for sure unless you get a flu test). This is possible for the following reasons:

You may be exposed to a flu virus shortly before getting vaccinated or during the period that it takes the body to gain protection after getting vaccinated. This exposure may result in you becoming ill with flu before the vaccine begins to protect you. (About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection develop in the body.) You may be exposed to a flu virus that is not included in the seasonal flu vaccine. There are many different flu viruses that circulate every year. The flu vaccine is made to protect against the three or four flu viruses that research suggests will be most common. Unfortunately, some people can become infected with a flu virus the flu vaccine is designed to protect against, despite getting vaccinated. Protection provided by flu vaccination can vary widely, based in part on health and age factors of the person getting vaccinated. In general, the flu vaccine works best among healthy younger adults and older children. Some older people and people with certain chronic illnesses may develop less immunity after vaccination. Flu vaccination is not a perfect tool, but it is the best way to protect against flu infection.

The most effective way to prevent influenza is by getting the influenza vaccine (the flu shot or flu nasal spray) and using simple infection control measures such as hand washing. Antiviral medicines can also help prevent infection if you are exposed to the flu.

 Because the influenza virus changes (or "mutates") slightly from year to year, you need a new influenza vaccine before each flu season. People should get the flu vaccine soon after it has become available to get the most benefit.

People who are vaccinated form antibodies (proteins), which destroy the influenza virus after the person is exposed. It generally takes about two weeks to make these antibodies.

Vaccine formulations — The flu vaccine is available in three forms in the United States, as an injection into the muscle, as an injection into the skin, and as a nasal spray

The injection of the flu vaccine into the muscle (regular flu shot) is approved for adults and children 6 months and older. In older adults, a high-dose version of this vaccine works a little better than the standard-dose version;

The injection of flu vaccine into the skin in what is called an intradermal injection is approved for adults aged 18 to 64 years.

The nasal spray is approved only for healthy children age 2 years and older and healthy adults up to 49 years. In 2014, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the nasal spray instead of the regular flu shot for healthy children 2 to 8 years of age when it is immediately available.

Vaccine side effects — People who get the vaccine as an injection (either into muscle or skin) can have reactions at the injection site. Intramuscular injections can cause redness, swelling, and/or soreness at the site. Intradermal injections can cause redness, swelling, and/or itching. The high-dose intramuscular vaccine and the intradermal vaccine are more likely to cause local reactions than the standard-dose intramuscular vaccine

Antiviral medicines can help to reduce the chances of developing the flu after being exposed to someone who is infected. These medicines can also be used in certain people who are at risk for developing complications from the flu and who cannot receive the flu vaccine.

INFLUENZA VACCINE

ommon cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat.

Fever over 100 F (38 C) Aching muscles, especially in your back, arms and legs Chills and sweats Headache Dry cough Fatigue and weakness Nasal congestion