What is Seasonal Influenza? Influenza spreads easily from person to person through coughing and sneezing. It is also spread by direct contact with infected surfaces or objects like clothes, toys and eating utensils. The Influenza Line: 519-883-2324 Influenza ("the flu") is an acute respiratory infection caused by a virus. Symptoms of influenza are sudden onset of high fever, a cough, head and muscle aches, tiredness, nasal congestion and a sore throat. The influenza usually lasts from 5 to 10 days. The cough and tired feeling can last longer, making you feel under the weather. Symptoms of nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea are not typically related to influenza. Most people who get the influenza will not become seriously ill. However, the influenza can cause pneumonia, hospitalization and even death in some people, especially in the elderly and children or adults with serious medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart or lung problems. Links/Resources Influenza Bulletins Influenza Fact Sheet Employer/Community Based Clinics Health Care Providers (Physicians, Pharmacists, Long-Term Care Facilities) Frequently Asked Questions - Influenza Vaccine How Well Does the Influenza Vaccine Protect Against the Influenza Who Should Get the Influenza Vaccine Why Should Healthy Adults and Children Get the Influenza Vaccine Who Should NOT Get the Influenza Vaccine What Are the Risks from Influenza Vaccine Can Influenza Vaccine Cause Influenza Can Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women Get the Influenza Vaccine How Many Doses of the Vaccine Do I Need When Should I Call My Doctor How Can I Keep Track of my Influenza Shots and Other Immunization The difference between Influenza and a Cold Adapted from: Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion www.influenza.cpha.ca/english/how.htm Symptom Cold Influenza Fever Rare High fever 102ºF/39ºC-104ºF/40ºC, sudden onset, lasts 3-4 days Headache Rare Usual, can be severe General aches & pains Sometimes, mild Usual, often severe Fatigue and weakness Sometimes, mild Usual, severe; may last 2-3 weeks or more Extreme fatigue Unusual Usual early onset, can be severe Runny, stuffy nose Common Common Sneezing Common Sometimes Sore throat Common Common Chest discomfort, coughing Sometimes, mild to moderate Usual, can become severe Complications Can lead to sinus congestion or earache Can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure; can worsen a current chronic condition; can be life threatening The virus causing the influenza changes often, so the vaccine is updated annually. This is why you need an influenza shot every year How well does influenza vaccine protect against influenza? Protection from the vaccine develops about one to two weeks after the shot, and may last up to one year. The vaccine is about 70 to 90 per cent effective in preventing influenza infection in healthy adults. In children, it is about 80 to 90 per cent effective in preventing influenza infection, and about 62 to 73 per cent effective in preventing illness with fever. In elderly people, the vaccine can prevent pneumonia and hospitalization in about six out of ten people, and prevent death in about eight out of ten people. Who should get the seasonal influenza vaccine? The vaccine is especially important for people in high-priority groups. This year, the seasonal influenza vaccine will be given to people in order of priority. The first priority group is: Individuals age 65 yrs+ Residents of long-term care homes and retirement homes The second priority group will be: Healthy children 6 to 23 months of age Anyone aged 65 or older Anyone aged 6 months and older with chronic heart or lung disease that requires medical or hospital care Anyone aged 6 months and older with chronic conditions such as diabetes or other metabolic diseases, cancer, kidney disease, blood disorders or weakened immune system Anyone who lives, works or volunteers in a nursing home, long-term care facility, chronic care facility, retirement home, hospital, or other healthcare setting Anyone aged 6 months and older who lives in the same household or is in contact with people at high risk of influenza complications Anyone aged 6 months to 18 years who has been treated for long periods with aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) Anyone who provides home care to people at high risk Pregnant women Emergency response workers (i.e., ambulance staff, fire fighters, police) and other essential service providers Anyone providing regular child care to children aged 0 to 23 months, whether in or out of the house Anyone providing services to people at high risk within closed or relatively closed settings (e.g., crews on ships) Anyone 6 months of age and older at high risk of complications traveling to areas of the world where the influenza virus is circulating Anyone in direct contact with live poultry and/or involved in the slaughtering process is recommended to get a flu shot Why should healthy adults and children get the influenza vaccine? Healthy people should get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families from influenza to avoid missing quality time (including holidays) with their families, to avoid losing time from work, and to avoid spreading the virus to others. Influenza is much worse than a cold. Even healthy, young people can become quite ill. You might bring the influenza virus home to a baby, older relative, or someone with a medical condition who can get serious complications from influenza. Children can also benefit from influenza immunization. Influenza in preschoolers is associated with acute middle ear infections. Influenza may also lead to hospitalization in healthy children (particularly those under two years of age), as well as in children with underlying high-risk medical conditions. Children are also the main spreaders of the virus, in both the school and household settings. Influenza immunization can decrease the incidence of middle ear infections associated with influenza, reduce school absenteeism and prevent community transmission of influenza. Who should NOT get the influenza vaccine? The following persons should not get the influenza vaccine: Infants under six months of age (the current vaccine is not recommended for this age group) Anyone with a serious allergy (anaphylaxis to eggs or egg products). A serious allergic reaction usually means that the person develops hives, swelling of the mouth and throat or trouble breathing after eating eggs or egg products Anyone who has a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine. Two influenza vaccines will be distributed through Ontario's universal influenza immunization program this season; Vaxigrip® (produced by Aventis Pasteur) and Fluviral® (produced by Shire Biologics). Both vaccines may contain trace amounts of Thimerosal (a preservative) and formaldehyde. In addition, Vaxigrip® may contain traces of the antibiotic neomycin. Please check with your physician or other health care provider to make sure that you do not have a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine that you will be getting Anyone who had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of the influenza vaccine Also: People with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome should consult their physician before getting the vaccine People who are acutely ill with a fever at the time that the shot is being given should usually wait until they recover before getting the influenza vaccine People who developed Oculo-Respiratory Syndrome (ORS) after getting an Influenza Shot in a previous season should advise their doctor that they had ORS. Medical professionals should refer to the decision-making flow chart for influenza immunization of people with ORS following previous influenza immunization What are the risks from influenza vaccine? The influenza vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing side effects, which can be either mild or, in few cases, severe. The risk of the vaccine causing serious harm is extremely small. Almost all people who get the influenza vaccine have no serious problems. Most people who get the vaccine have either no side effects, or mild side effects such as soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given. A small number of people may get a fever or muscle aches which start shortly after getting the influenza shot, and last about one to two days. Can influenza vaccine cause the influenza? No. The vaccine does not contain live viruses so you cannot get the influenza from the vaccine. However, the vaccine will not protect you against colds and other respiratory diseases that may be mistaken for influenza. Influenza Vaccine Fact Sheet Can pregnant or breastfeeding women get the influenza vaccine? The vaccine is considered safe for pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy or who are breastfeeding. How many doses of the vaccine do I need? Because the influenza virus changes often, it is necessary to get the influenza shot every year, for protection against the virus strains that are expected that year. Children under nine years old may need two doses of influenza vaccine given four weeks apart. When should I call my doctor? You should call or see your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms within three days after the shot: hives, swelling of the mouth or throat trouble breathing, hoarseness or wheezing paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness any other unusual condition or serious reaction the vaccine How can I keep track of my influenza shots and other immunization? After you receive your immunization, you will receive a record of your influenza immunization. Keep this record in a safe place as you may be required to show proof of immunization for your job or volunteer position. Children will receive vaccination only when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Influenza Bulletins (coming soon)