Influenza Paper free essay sample

In order for people to decide whether the influenza vaccine is right for them or their families, they need to know some of the basics about influenza viruses. Influenza viruses are spread by having contact with someone or something that has the influenza virus. When a person has a confirmed case of the influenza virus, the individual can spread the virus to others by not covering when he or she coughs or sneezes and by not washing his or her hands and keeping containers or tissues around that may contain vomit, sputum or nose secretions (Center for Disease Control, 2010, Oct. ). The four types of vaccines available to any individual who would want to obtain the vaccine for preventive measures. The first one is, Whole virion inactivated vaccine, and this has complete viruses which are not alive. This one is not infectious and once injected keeps their antigenic properties. The second one, Subunit inactivated vaccine; this is made up of surface antigens only usually a H or N surface strain. We will write a custom essay sample on Influenza Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This one is usually not very effective. The third one; Split-virion inactivated vaccines, has a disrupting agent that breaks up the viral structure of the viruses used and it contains both the internal and surface antigens. The fourth and final vaccine; Live attenuated, cold adapted vaccine, contains live viruses and can only multiply in cooler nasal passages. This vaccine is administered as a nasal spray and can only be given to healthy children and adults (Vaccines for Preventing, 2008, February). When trying to prevent the influenza virus all individuals can do many preventive measures to keep from getting sick. The most effective of the prevention measures is to get the vaccine on a yearly basis for individuals of all ages. The influenza virus can affect people of all ages, but it affects individuals one to three the most. In 2010 the CDC changed their recommendations to all ages benefitting from receipt of the vaccines as they now contain some form of the newest strain of H1N1, which they believe will continue to circulate (Prevention and Control, 2010, August). The other ways to prevent influenza virus from making a person very sick is to wash his or her hands when he or she has come into contact with a surface that many other individuals have touched. The hand washing should last for at least 20 seconds and using an antibacterial soap. This should be done frequently when the virus is at its highest level in the individuals’ area. The tropical climates have a high influenza infection all year round. The northern hemisphere is from November thru March and the southern hemisphere is from May-September (Vaccines for preventing, 2008, February). Last but certainly not least an individual can make sure that the infected person covers his or her mouth when sneezing or coughing and the non-infected person can wear a mask when dealing with an infected individual. The influenza vaccine is made each year by taking many factors into consideration. The vaccine usually has three different influenza strains that have circulated throughout the country in the past. It usually has some type A strain and type B strain. Sometimes a small amount of formaldehyde is used to keep the antigens from mutating and all strains are infected into extra chicken embryo so they can remain in liquid form. These are the antigens that make up the vaccines each year (Auxiliary Info, Morris, T. 2010, February). The influenza virus undergoes antigenic changes or mutations every year that can result in the vaccine made for the current year may have limited or no protection against the current strain circulating within the area a person lives (Prevention and Control, 2010, August). All individuals must keep in mind that the antibodies received against one influenza virus type or subtype does not offer the individual protection against all types or subtype of influenza (Prevention and control, 2010, August). The vaccines are created with very careful and expert considerations. The two committees that designate which strains make up the current years vaccines, are the U. S. government’s expert committee on influenza as well as the recommendations by surgeon General of the Public Health Service. These two entities use all studies and reports from hospitals and clinics throughout the nation and then use surveillance from international scientists who can estimate which strains will be coming into the United States (Auxiliary Info, Morris, T. 2010, February). The influenza virus is not a virus even the healthiest person would want to be sick with, let alone an individual with some chronic health problems. The influenza virus is a bad respitory illness that can affect the upper respitory tract and possibly the lower respitory tract. This virus is usually caused by the influenza A virus or the influenza B virus, which are the two most common viruses in any area. In some cases of an individual that had influenza, the individual has developed a very rare case of GBS (Guillan-Barre Syndrome). This rare disorder occurs when their own immune system will damage the individuals own nerve cells causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis (CDC, 2010, October). Individuals with chronic health conditions are highly encouraged to receive the vaccine each year as this virus happens in the respiratory tract which can be deadly to those with asthma, heart disease, COPD, diabetes, and compromised immune systems. It is also recommended for those individuals who care for anyone with a health condition to get the vaccine, to keep the compromised individual as healthy as possible and out of the hospital. The CDC is recommending, as of 2010, that all individuals from 6 months to the very elderly and frail be vaccinated each year.