FLU VACCINATION - WHY ME?

Influenza is an acute respiratory infection associated with a high temperature, muscle aches and pains and headache. Outbreaks mainly occur during the winter months and it can spread rapidly in environments where people come into close contact with each other i.e. offices, schools, hospitals.

Influenza is a much more severe form of the normal cold, whose symptoms tend to diminish after 24-48 hours. Generally the illness associated with influenza lasts for 1-2 weeks. It can often cause debilitating fatigue which can last for several weeks after the acute infection. Additionally influenza can be complicated by the development of pneumonia, sinusitis or middle ear infections.

The viruses causing influenza are a major cause of absence from work during the winter months. The virus strains which cause these outbreaks vary from year to year. The only way to prevent the development of influenza is by vaccination early in the Autumn before any outbreaks have occurred.

There are very few side effects associated with vaccination. Minor discomfort occasionally occurs at the injection site but this is generally short lived. Some people develop minor flu like symptoms which generally last for less than 24 hours after vaccination. The vaccination should not be given to pregnant women or to individuals who are allergic to chicken protein.

REMEMBER: PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!

Background:   Although influenza causes substantial illness in all age groups, current recommendations emphasise annual immunisation for people at high risk for complications of influenza. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trail of vaccination against influenza was carried out in healthy working adults.

Methods:   In the autumn of 1994, 849 working adults from ages 18-64 were recruited into the study. They were randomly assigned to receive either influenza vaccine or placebo injections. The study outcomes included upper respiratory illnesses, absenteeism from work because of upper respiratory infections, and visits to their physician for upper respiratory infections.

Results:   Those who received the influenza vaccine reported

25% fewer upper respiratory illnesses

43% fewer days of sick leave from work due to upper respiratory illnesses

44% fewer visits to physicians

The cost savings were estimated to be $46.85 per person vaccinated

Conclusion: Vaccination against influenza has substantial health-related and economic benefits for healthy working adults.