Flu Vaccination, Research Paper Example

What is Influenza?     

Influenza negatively impacts the health of numerous individuals and communities across the globe (Pierrynowski Gallant, Murray & McNeil, 2006). It is commonly known as the “flu”, and can be confused with the common cold. Symptoms of the disease are as follows: headaches, coughing, muscle pain, a sore throat, chills, fevers, weakness or fatigue; and general discomfort (“Key Facts About Influenza”, 2010).

The most serious of all cases of influenza can cause pneumonia. This can be fatal for the young and the elderly (“Understanding Infuenza”, 2010).

How Does It Spread?

It can be transmitted through the air by coughs or sneezes which create aerosols that contain the virus (“Key Facts About Influenza”, 2010). This can be through humans or other mammals contracting the disease. However, influenza can also be transmitted via direct contact with bird droppings, contact with contaminated surfaces and / or nasal secretions (Pierrynowski Gallant, Murray & McNeil, 2006). The influenza virus can be de-activated by sunlight, disinfectants and detergents – this can be done using soap, washing frequently to reduce chances of infections. An individual may be able to pass on the virus even before symptoms start to show, and also when the individual is already aware that he/she is sick. Healthy adults may infect others one day before the symptoms show and up to a week after the symptoms have died down. Children and elderly people who have weakened immune systems may be carrying the virus for longer periods of time (“Key Facts About Influenza”, 2010).

What Are the Risks When an Individual Has Influenaza?

The severity of influenza depends on the strain and can vary from one season to the next. Some people are at greater risks for serious complications if ever they are infected with the virus. This includes pregnant women, the elderly, children, and people with certain health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

Complications of influenza can include the following: bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, worsening of medical conditions; and dehydration (“Key Facts About Influenza”, 2010).

Statistics show that between the years 1976 and 2006, and estimated death range which are flu-associated ranged from around 3,000 to 49,000 people. During the years 2009 and early 2010, a new strain of influenza known as aH1N1 spread worldwide, which was the first flu pandemic in more than 40 years (“Key Facts About Influenza”, 2010).. This new virus caused more than 12,000 deaths in the United States alone. Results showed that nearly 90% of the deaths caused by aH1N1 were among people younger than 65 years of age.

According to Gonzalez, Gardner and Murasko (2007) Influenza comes in as the fifth leading cause of death for those above the age of 65. This is due to the risks of complications people of this certain age group may develop if infected with influenza. This also relates to their declining immune system, which comes with their age (Gonzalez, Gardner & Murasko, 2007). Children under the age of 6 months old may have the same risks because their immune systems have not yet fully developed.

How Can You Prevent Influenza?

There is a vaccination available for each “flu” season. There are two ways to get immunization from this disease:

• The “flu” shot: an inactivated vaccine which contains “killed virus” and is given with a needle injected into the skin.
• The nasal-spray flu vaccination: it is a vaccine made with like, weakened flu viruses. This no done cause the flu (“Seasonal Influenza”, 2010).

A flu vaccination is available throughout the influenza season; this begins around September of each year, and can last until May of the following year. The timing of the flu season can vary, depending on each strain (Pierrynowski Gallant, Murray & McNeil, 2006).

Asking the local physician about the availability of these flu-vaccines, and also information on the strain of the virus for each season is very important. Also, taking everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of the disease is crucial (Pierrynowski Gallant, Murray & McNeil, 2006). This includes covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands frequently throughout the day, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, avoid contact with sick people. If symptoms are already visible in an individual, he or she should stay home in order to reduce risks of infecting other people.

It is highly recommended that everyone from the ages of 6 months and older should get an influenza vaccination in order to expand the protection against the disease for more people nationwide. It is most especially important for people who might have a high risk of developing health complications due to influenza (“Seasonal Influenza”, 2010).

Communities have strategized to raise awareness to the public about the need for an influenza vaccine (“New Study: Community Measures Can Prevent Deaths during Pandemic,” 2007, p. 48). Also, taking action using the preventive strategies stated above can help reduce influenza infections. There are new efforts being made by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to improve the readiness of communities throughout the nation in case of an influenza pandemic breaks-out (“HHS Provides Planning Guidance for Pandemic-Flu Preparedness,” 2007).

References

Pierrynowski Gallant, D.M., Murray, M.A., & McNeil, S. (2006) Influenza Vaccination: a Call for a Multiple Intervention Approach. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 97(2).

Key Facts About Influenza (2010). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.html

Understanding Infuenza (2010). Med-Immune. http://www.flumist.com/flu-symptoms-and-you

Seasonal Influenza (2010). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm.

New Study: Community Measures Can Prevent Deaths during Pandemic (2007). Journal of Environmental Health, 70(5); 48

HHS Provides Planning Guidance for Pandemic-Flu Preparedness (2007) Journal of Environmental Health, 69(9).

Gonzalez, E.W., Gardner, E.M., & Murasko, D. (2007). Recruitment and Retention of Older Adults in Influenza Immunization Study. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 14(2).