Source: US FDA Consumer Updates
The Flu (Influenza if you’re French) is a contagious URI (Upper Respiratory Infection) caused by different strains of influenza viruses. (Flu? They should eat more fresh fruit!) Each flu season, the US FDA, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the WHO (World Health Organization) work with vaccine manufacturers to focus upon the 3 flu strains projected to cause the most problems. For you budding virologists, this year it’s A/Brisbane/59/2007; A/Brisbane/10/2007; and, B/Brisbane/60/2008.
The current flu season vaccine (2009-2010) does not protect against the dreaded swine flu (H1N1). There is currently a swine flu vaccine pending approval and wide-spread dissemination. The approved vaccines are: Afluria (CSL, Ltd); Fluarix (GlaxoSmithKline); FluLaval (ID Biomedical); Fluvirin (Novartis); Fluzone (Sanofi Pasteur); and, FluMist (MedImmune).
Of the vaccines there are the traditional injection form and the nasal inhalant variety. Both are believed to be equally effective. Autumn (The Fall) is the best time for vaccination according to the CDC. Contrary to popular mythology, you can not get the flu from the flu vaccine. You can experience reaction to the medication, however.
Research from the CDC suggests that 5-20% of the US population gets the flu during active flu seasons causing hospitalizations for some 200,000 and the death of 36,000. Flu symptoms include: fever; headache; chills; body aches; extreme fatigue; and weakness.
Posted by David Marc Schwadron, Esq.