RUHS - Flu Information

	Flu Information Page
	What is influenza (flu)? How does flu immunization work? How effective are they? Any side effects? Helpful links There is no seasonal influenza vaccine available. Also see http://emergency.rutgers.edu/h1n1.shtml for information about H1N1 influenza. What is influenza (flu)? Influenza is caused by a virus that causes an upper respiratory infection. Unlike most colds, however, the flu often causes fever, muscle aches, and dizziness. It can also lead to more serious infections, such as pneumonia. Complications from flu cause up to 40,000 deaths per year in the U.S. These deaths usually occur in the elderly and in people with chronic health problems, such as heart disease and severe asthma. The influenza virus is always present somewhere in the world. In the United States flu outbreaks tend to occur each year between November and March. top How does flu immunization work? The formula for the flu vaccine is changed every year according to the recommendations of scientists from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). They predict which strains of flu virus are most likely to appear the next winter. Flu shot: The virus in the flu vaccine has been inactivated, or "killed." This means you cannot catch the flu from getting a shot. Getting the shot introduces part of the flu virus to your immune system. Your body then reacts by making protective antibodies against the virus. 2. FluMist: The virus in this nasal spray has been weakened (attenuated). The virus replicates in your body and produces antibodies (and thus immunity) to influenza. Due to the higher price of FluMist, Rutgers Health Services is ONLY providing the flu shot. top How effective are they? Immunization typically is about 70% effective in preventing the flu. Even if you do get the flu, the vaccine helps protect against severe infection. For this reason it is said that the flu shot protects against death from the flu more than from flu itself. Immunization will not protect against colds and other infections. "The flu" is a specific illness. top What are the side effects? Flu Shot: Eggs are used in the production of flu vaccine. If you are allergic to eggs, you may have a severe allergic reaction to the flu shot. The flu shot should not be taken by anyone who has a history of severe egg allergy. Some manufacturers also recommend not getting a flu shot if you have an allergy to thimerosal. Thimerosal is a preservative used in contact lens solutions and the flu vaccine. For people who do not have egg or thimerosal allergies, the flu vaccine has infrequent, minor side effects. The most common reaction is some soreness at the site of the shot. A few people develop fever or muscle aches within a few hours of the injection. These symptoms may last 1 to 2 days. There have been no reports of flu shot complications affecting the nervous system since the 1976-1977 swine flu epidemic. FluMist - most people have no side effects or very mild ones. The following list has been reported. a. Allergy - those allergic to eggs should not take. b. Runny nose c. Headache d. Sore throat e. Fatigue f. Muscle aches g. Cough h. Chills i. Low grade fever Due to the higher price of FluMist, Rutgers Health Services is ONLY providing the flu shot. top Helpful Links Center for Disease Control flu information page Immunization Action Coalition - a good detailed site for flu and other immunizations top back RHS Main website

	Last Modified