Influenza Vaccination

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the upper respiratory tract. Flu season typically lasts between the months of October and April. Signs and symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, runny nose, and headaches. Individuals that are at a high risk of getting the flu include: children under the age of two, persons 65 and older, pregnant women, and persons with a chronic illness. Environment factors can also increase the risk of contracting the flu. Complications can include pneumonia, ear and sinus infections, dehydration, or worsening of chronic medical conditions. The influenza virus could eventually lead to longer hospitalization or death if left untreated. According to the CDC, the best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. Compliance with the vaccination is also important in preventing the flu.

Illnesses have long haunted the human race. As long as these illnesses have existed, humans have developed ways to cure themselves, beginning with simple herbs and proceeding as far as vaccines and complex medicines. One cure that long eluded scientists was that of the influenza virus. Now, the influenza vaccine, or flu shot, saves thousands of lives a year and helps prevent serious complications resulting from influenza infection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “It's estimated that 90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths and more than 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations in the United States each year occur in people 65 years and older “ (2011).The CDC advises that the best way to prevent and control the spread of influenza each year is by the use of vaccinnations. In effort to control and prevent influenza epidemics, the CDC uses the epidemiological process to predict the strain of the virus that will be most relevant to the population and this data is used to formulate influenza vaccinations (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011).

This paper will discuss the communicable disease influenza. It will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments, as well as the demographics of interest. It will also discuss the determinants of health and how these factors contribute to the development of influenza. Included in this paper will be information on host, agent, and environmental factors. Lastly it will explain the role of the community health nurse in caring for those affected with influenza and the role they play in education and prevention.

Fortunately, a vaccine exists for the flu, the influenza vaccine. The influenza shot shows great feedback on it’s effectiveness. “A series of cohort studies undertaken between 1980 and 2010 showed a significant reduction in hospital admission and all-cause mortality after seasonal influenza vaccination for individuals aged 65 years and older” (Assad par. 14). Due to a series of studies done, they found out that within a thirty year time period, the influenza vaccine brought down the amount of hospitalizations and the number of deaths lessened. The influenza shot can also protect the elderly from other health issues as well.

From Mayo Clinic “Influenza is a respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, particularly in young children, older adults and people with certain medical conditions. Flu shots are the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications”. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older be vaccinated annually against influenza. Especially those vulnerable people of chronic diseases. With the winter is coming, many of the world's population suffer from influenza infection, which kills many people across the globe and on an annual basis, according to the national health of Canada, the

The flu is a common viral infection that continues to threaten many people throughout the United States. Everyone should get vaccinated against the viral infection as early as possible to increase their chances of overcoming the infection.

It seems like everywhere you go you are reminded that it is that time of the year. Just a short drive around town it is evident that flu shots are encouraged everywhere one looks. From medical personnel to store checkouts one finds themselve bombarded with the question, “Have you gotten your flu shot yet?” Anyone and everyone is a candidate for the flu vaccine according to local pharmacies. (and many people are buying into this mantra).

The last few days of summer are upon us, the leaves are beginning to change and it is once again fall in East Tennessee. While many are beginning to enjoy a relaxing break before the stresses of winter and the holidays, healthcare providers are bracing for the rush. The rush I speak of is that of doctor’s offices which are over run with those complaining of fevers, aches, and chills. Influenza season begins as early as August and can run as long as in to late March. Those affected by the virus can range from infants to the elderly, but most complications occur in those over 65, including death. According to the World Health Organization, the number of elderly persons is expected to increase from 600 million currently to over 2 billion worldwide by 2050. (WHO, 2015) Due to the rapid increase of this age group in the upcoming years, the need to prevent and establish treatment for illnesses that have the potential to be fatal in this population is a top priority. Greater risks of mortality in those over 65 who contract influenza can be attributed to several factors including: the elderly’s decline in immunity response, the inability of the elderly’s body to fully recover from infection, and finally, the long term complications of influenza among those who are already compromised.

There is a division in the medical community about the benefits of getting vaccinated against the flu. Some medical professionals insist that vaccination against the flu can decrease death by fifty percent, while others provide evidence against such a claim. It is difficult to determine how many people die from the flu, who has the flu, and which strain of the flu someone has. There are over 200 viruses that cause flu like systems. In reality, researchers believe that only 7 or 8 percent of cases of people actually contract the flu that report systems associated with the flu such as, headache, fever, coughing, etc. The flu can mutate very quickly causing the virus to differ every flu season if only slightly. Thus, members of the World Health

Although the majority of people infected with influenza recover completely within a week to ten days, some people are at a greater risk of experiencing more severe and long-lasting complications. The flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia and in some circumstances, severe complications in high-risk groups can lead to death. The number of deaths attributed to influenza varies each year, but it is estimated to be approximately 500 to 1500 deaths per influenza season. People who are at an increased risk for complications include very young children, people over 65 years of age, and those already suffering from medical conditions including bronchitis, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. Influenza vaccinations administered to high-risk people reduce hospitalizations, premature deaths, and they result in substantial cost savings to the health care system.

Influenza fortunately can be prevented in most cases. You can prevent it through an annual vaccination. The vaccine is made up of 8 to 10 strains of the influenza virus. When you receive the vaccination the strains have been “killed”, so there is no possible way for you to get this illness just by receiving the vaccination. Your body recognizes the unknown strains and builds up immunity so if a “live” virus gets in your system your body has the correct code to “kill” it off.

Each year in the United States, 3000–49,000 influenza associated deaths occur, with over 90% reported among older adults aged 65 years or older. Influenza also results in an estimated 226,000 hospitalizations, with hospitalization rates among older adults increasing over the past 2 decades (Nace et al., 2015). Influenza is a highly transmissible viral illness that may lead to severe complications from underlying diseases, primary viral or secondary bacterial pneumonia and death (NCBI, 2015). Immunization is one of the most powerful and cost effective interventions against

According to Healthy People 2020 a goal of theirs is to “increase immunization rates and reduce preventable infections.” The influenza virus is one of these preventable infections, which can cause serious harm to patients. The influenza virus is known as the “flu.” Everyone in his or her life has had some experience with the flu, whether that is himself or herself or a family member. What if there was a way to ensure people from contracting a strain of the influenza virus? Well, thanks to technology and medical research there is.

Background & Audience Relevance: Influenza is an infection that can affect anyone around the world. Am quite sure almost everyone, if not all of us, have been infected with influenza at some point in our lives.