CIENCIASMEDICASNEWS: Influenza (Flu)

Note: For the 2016-2017 season, CDC recommends use of the flu shot (inactivated influenza vaccine or IIV) and the recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV). The nasal spray flu vaccine (live attenuated influenza vaccine or LAIV) should not be used during 2016-2017. The 2016-2017 influenza vaccination recommendations are now available.

While current U.S. flu activity is low overall, localized influenza outbreaks have been reported and activity is expected to increase in the coming weeks.

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Now is a good time to get vaccinated. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for protection to set in.

Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses and prevent flu-related hospitalizations. Flu vaccines have been updated for the 2016-2017 season. More than 131 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccine have been distributed at this time.

Seasonal and Pandemic Flu Content Moves to CDC

There are many different influenza A viruses; some are found in humans and others in animals such as avian flu in birds and poultry.

U.S. H5 Viruses: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 infections have been reported in U.S. birds and poultry. No human infections with these viruses have been detected at this time, however similar viruses have infected people in other countries and caused serious illness and death in some cases.