Influenza, Flu Shots and Antivirals

Because of its similarities to the common cold, many people fail to recognize the danger of the flu virus and illness. While the flu shares some symptoms with a typical cold, it is a much more severe viral infection and can cause other ailments, including pneumonia. Every year, one or more strains of the flu virus kill hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The very young and the very old are the most at risk for fatal infection, as their immune systems tend to be weaker. People with immune-suppressive disorders are also at high risk.

Since the virus is so dangerous, it is important for children over 6 months, teenagers, pregnant women, the elderly and the otherwise infirm to get a flu shot each year. People in careers where the risk of exposure is great, such as elementary school teachers, should also get vaccinated. These viruses mutate rapidly, so it is important that these flu shots or sprays take place annually, as a previous shot probably will not protect against any new strains that have evolved since last year's shot. The shot is not recommended by the CDC for use by infants under 6 months, people have another illness that causes a fever (until they are well), people who are allergic to chickens eggs and people who have previously had a severe reaction to a flu shot.

There is a commonly held misconception that one can actually get the flu from the influenza shot, but this is incorrect. The viruses contained in the injection form of the flu vaccine are dead and therefore cannot be transmitted as an infection. However, the shot may have some after effects which are similar to flu symptoms, such as fever and achiness. In addition, the flu vaccine which comes in nasal spray form contains live viruses, but they have been weakened. The nasal spray therefore can potentially cause more flu-like symptoms than the shot (and in extremely rare circumstances possibly transmit the flu to another person), but these symptoms will not be as severe or life-threatening as the actual flu would be and are really closer to the common cold. Neither the shot nor the nasal spray will automatically cause any symptoms in all people.

Another method which has been having some success in treating the flu virus once a person has been infected is the use of influenza antiviral drugs. People who are unable to be vaccinated for any reason, including due to allergies or lack of vaccine availability, as well as those who not vaccinated and were exposed to the virus are the prime candidates for influenza antiviral drugs. A person may still get sick after taking the antiviral drugs, but the symptoms should not be severe and should last only a few days. Children under one year of age should not take antiviral medications for influenza.

Symptoms of the flu include high fever, headache, moderate to extreme fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, and body aches. Less common symptoms which occur primarily in children are stomach upsets including vomiting and diarrhea. Since many of these symptoms are like those of the common cold, it is important to see a doctor if the symptoms appear more acute than is typical with a cold or is the most severe symptoms persist longer than a couple of days, particularly the fever.