<![CDATA[Flucentre - FAQ]]> http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/rss Flucentre - FAQ http://www.flucentre.org/modules/core/layout/images/rss.gif http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/rss Sat, 19 May 2012 04:04:00 +0200 Sat, 19 May 2012 04:04:00 +0200 Do healthy people need to get vaccinated? http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/do-healthy-people-need-to-get-vaccinated-2 Anyone can contract influenza and being healthy does not protect against infection.

For those at high risk of developing complications from influenza, infection can result in a deterioration of the chronic condition, hospitalisation or even death. Risk groups commonly include elderly persons (age 65 and above), persons with long-term medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, or heart disease) and pregnant. The World Health Organization officially recommends annual immunization against influenza for these groups.

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]]> http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/do-healthy-people-need-to-get-vaccinated-2 Why is vaccination against flu necessary? http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/why-is-vaccination-against-flu-necessary Influenza (the flu) is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease.

It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent the flu, and vaccination is the main tool used to protect people from influenza. The flu vaccine is easily administered and takes about two weeks to provide protection.

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]]> http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/why-is-vaccination-against-flu-necessary Will there be a new pandemic? http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/will-there-be-a-new-pandemic-2 With the current knowledge about influenza viruses in humans and animals, as well as the mechanisms that underlie the emergence of new pandemic viruses, it is reasonable to expect that also in the future influenza pandemics will emerge. However the unprecedented increase of our understanding of processes that determine the emergence of influenza viruses with pandemic potential, as well as the unprecedented development of societal and medical intervention strategies, collectively provide us with the tools to more efficiently combat these events in the future. Whether these tools will indeed be used adequately and universally, which means not exclusively in countries with strong economies, is a political and ethical issue that deserves more attention in the future. 

 

]]> http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/will-there-be-a-new-pandemic-2 Should health care workers be vaccinated? http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/should-health-care-workers-be-vaccinated-2 Health care workers infected with influenza can transmit the highly contagious virus to patients in their care.

This is particularly troubling for the many patients at high risk for influenza-related complications. In addition, infected healthcare workers have high risks of not being able to continue to care for their patients. Healthcare workers are therefore strongly recommended to get their flu shot in order to protect others by protecting themselves.

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]]> http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/should-health-care-workers-be-vaccinated-2 How can I encourage my patients to get vaccinated? http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/how-can-i-encourage-my-patients-to-get-vaccinated Inform your patients about the benefits and effectiveness of influenza vaccination and the risks of not receiving the flu shot.

Yet, a clear understanding of the dangers of influenza may not be enough to encourage your patient to get vaccinated. The possible costs associated with immunisation and a fear of needles and supposed side effects are also important reasons for not seeking vaccination. As a healthcare worker, you are in a perfect position to offer advice and comfort.

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]]> http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/how-can-i-encourage-my-patients-to-get-vaccinated Should the vaccine be given every year? http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/should-the-vaccine-be-given-every-year Influenza viruses have a great capacity to mutate and change.

In light of this, a new vaccine is made every year to protect against the current strains. In addition, immunity provided by an influenza vaccine begins to fade after a year.

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]]> http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/should-the-vaccine-be-given-every-year Can you get influenza from the vaccine? http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/can-you-get-influenza-from-the-vaccine-2 The influenza vaccine does not contain any live viruses and therefore cannot cause the illness.

Flu vaccine manufacturers inactivate the viruses used in the vaccine during the production process, and batches of flu vaccine are tested to make sure they are safe.

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]]> http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/can-you-get-influenza-from-the-vaccine-2 Does the vaccine have any side effects? http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/does-the-vaccine-have-any-side-effects Serious adverse reactions to the influenza vaccine are rare, with most common reactions being local redness and swelling at the injection site.

Other mild symptoms including headache, mild fever and sore muscles may occur in a very small percentage of people vaccinated, but are limited to 24-48 hours duration. Allergic reactions may occur in people with a severe egg allergy and such people should not receive the influenza vaccine.

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]]> http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/does-the-vaccine-have-any-side-effects Does annual vaccination protect completely against seasonal flu? http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/does-annual-vaccination-protect-completely-against-seasonal-flu The influenza vaccine can reduce the chances of getting the flu by 70%-90% in healthy adults.

The vaccine may be somewhat less effective in elderly persons and very young children, but vaccination can still prevent serious complications (like pneumonia) and deaths related to the flu.

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]]> http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/does-annual-vaccination-protect-completely-against-seasonal-flu What is the best treatment for influenza? http://www.flucentre.org/questions-about-influenza/p/detail/what-is-the-best-treatment-for-influenza Symptomatic treatment is sufficient in cases of influenza with an uncomplicated course.

The patient should be instructed about the need to remain at home and not to perform strenuous activities. In addition, administration of medication that acts symptomatically is helpful. Although many patients may expect you to prescribe antibiotics, they should know that viruses cannot be treated with such medication.

Persons at high risk of developing complications from influenza may benefit from the use of active antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms, provided that they are administered no later than 48 hours after the appearance of the first symptoms.

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