Influenza and You

Why do I need to worry about influenza?

Catching the flu virus can be very serious for some people. People who are at a greater risk include those aged over 65 years and people with some chronic (long-term) medical conditions. Complications from the flu can happen more often in these people, and may also be more severe. The flu may also cause other medical conditions to flare up. A person can even die from serious complications of the flu.

What are the benefits of influenza vaccination?

Vaccination against the flu is the most important way of preventing the flu and reducing the effects of the flu in people who have a higher risk of developing complications Flu vaccines are developed to protect you against specific flu viruses. The vaccines are changed each year to match the most common flu viruses that are circulating in the community, so a single vaccination will not protect you for more than one year.

If I have asthma, do I need a flu vaccination?

In the past, it was thought that having a flu vaccination every year could protect people with asthma from having asthma attacks. However, it is uncertain whether this is the case. A scientific study called a Cochrane review* found that there's not enough evidence to say that flu vaccination reduces asthma attacks or asthma exacerbations. People with severe asthma (asthma that leads to frequent admissions to hospital) are the ones who are most likely to benefit from a flu vaccination.

Some people worry that having a flu vaccination could cause asthma attacks. But the same Cochrane review found that flu vaccines don't appear to increase asthma attacks immediately after the flu vaccination is given.

Australian immunisation guidelines recommend that people with severe asthma (asthma that results in frequent admissions to hospital) should have a flu vaccination each year.

If I have COPD, do I need a flu vaccination?

People with COPD have a greater chance of developing complications from the flu, including lung infections and flare-ups of their COPD. COPD includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

A Cochrane review* involving people with COPD showed that flu vaccination can reduce the number of COPD attacks that people have. Protection starts from about three weeks after vaccination is given.

If you have COPD, a flu vaccine may also protect you against other airway infections caused by flu viruses. There is no evidence that flu vaccination itself causes flare-ups of COPD.

Australian immunisation guidelines recommend that all people with COPD should have a flu vaccination each year.

If I have a heart condition, do I need a flu vaccination?

Adults and children with heart disease have a greater risk of developing complications from the flu. Catching the flu can lead to serious illness and even death in children with congenital heart disease and adults with coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure.

If you have coronary artery disease, flu vaccination may help to reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Flu vaccination may also reduce hospital admissions during the winter months.

Australian immunisation guidelines recommend that children (aged over 6 months) and adults with chronic heart conditions including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and congenital heart disease should have a flu vaccination each year.

If I have diabetes, do I need a flu vaccination?

People with diabetes are more likely to develop complications if they catch the flu. There are not many scientific trials that have studied the effects of flu vaccination in people with diabetes, but the evidence suggests that flu vaccination may reduce illness and complications from the flu.

Australian immunisation guidelines recommend that children (aged over 6 months of age) and adults with diabetes should have a flu vaccination each year.

What about the side effects of flu vaccination? Some people develop redness, pain or swelling around the site of the injection. Other side effects can include fever, tiredness or muscle pain. However, these reactions are usually mild and don't last very long. It is rare to develop serious side effects from a flu vaccination.

Some people are worried that having a flu vaccination will cause them to develop the flu, but the vaccinations used in Australia do not contain living flu viruses, and do not cause the flu to develop. It takes about 2 weeks to build up protection after the vaccination is given, so if you are exposed to someone with the flu during this time, you could develop the flu. People also tend to receive the flu vaccine at a time when other viruses (e.g. the common cold) are circulating. Flu vaccines will not protect you against other viruses like colds.

*A Cochrane review is a well-respected type of scientific study based on evidence from clinical trials.

For further information about Cochrane reviews, go to Informed Health Online at www.informedhealthonline.org