Influenza (“flu”) is a contagious disease.

It is caused by the influenza virus, which spreads from infected persons to the nose or throat of others.   Other illnesses can have the same symptoms and are often mistaken for influenza.  But only an illness caused by the influenza virus is really influenza.

Anyone can get influenza, but rates of infection are highest among children. For most people, it lasts only a few days.  It can cause:

· fever               · chills                    · cough                       

· fatigue             · sore throat          · headache

· muscle aches

Some people get much sicker.  Influenza can lead to pneumonia and can be dangerous for people with heart or breathing conditions.  It can cause high fever and seizures in children.  On average, 226,000 people are hospitalized every year because of influenza and 36,000 die – mostly elderly.

There are two types of influenza vaccine:

Live, attenuated influenza vaccine (L.A.I.V.) contains live but attenuated (weakened) influenza virus.  (known as Flu Mist)

and  Inactivated influenza vaccine, sometimes called the “flu shot,” is given by injection.  which is given by injection into the muscle. It is recommended for children 6 months of age through 18 years of age as well as anyone 50 years of age or older.

For most people influenza vaccine prevents serious influenza-related illness.  But it will not prevent “influenza-like” illnesses caused by other viruses.

Influenza viruses are always changing.  Because of this, influenza vaccines are updated every year, and an annual vaccination is recommended. 

It takes up to two weeks for protectin to develop and protection lasts up to a year.

Thimererosal-free (preservative free) vaccine is available.