Influenza viruses have a great capacity to mutate and change. Current flu vaccines are safe and effective, but they have to be updated annually to match the epidemic strains and occasionally there is a mismatch with the circulating virus strains. There is hence a great need for new vaccines that can induce broad protective immunity […]
Quadrivalent flu vaccines are designed to protect against four different flu viruses instead of three: two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses. For years, flu vaccines were designed to protect against three different flu viruses (trivalent). This included an influenza A H1N1 virus, an influenza A H3N2 virus and one B virus. Experts […]
When a person is exposed to an influenza virus, the innate and subsequently the adaptive or specific immune response kicks in and provides defence against the invading virus. Depending on the nature of the virus and the effectiveness of the immune response, the infected individual suffers from more or less severe consequences of the influenza […]
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.
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 […]
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.
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]