Influenza illness is characterized by abrupt onset of fever, myalgia, sore throat and non-productive cough. More severe illness can result if either primary Influenza pneumonia or secondary bacterial pneumonia occurs.

People of high risk of Influenza should take the Influenza vaccine to avoid complication of the disease.

Recommendation for the use of Influenza vaccine

Groups at Increased Risk for Influenza-Related complication:

Persons more than 65 years of age

Residents of chronic care facilities that house persons of any age with chronic medical conditions

Adults and children with chronic orders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including children with asthma.

Adults and children who have required regular medical follow up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes Mellitus ), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathy or immuno suppression

Children and teenagers (6 months-18 years of age) who are receiving long term Aspirin therapy and therefore might be at risk for developing Reye syndrome after Influenza.

Physicians, nurses and other personnel in both hospital and out-patient care settings

Employees of chronic-care facilities who have contact with patients

Providers of home care to persons at high risk (e.g. visiting nurses and volunteer workers)

Household members (including children) of persons in high-risk groups.

Influenza Vaccine Dosage, by age groups

Age Group	Dosage (mL.)	Number of Doses	Route
6-35 months	0.25	1 or 2	Intra Muscular
3-8 years	0.50	1 or 2	Intra Muscular
9-12 years	0.50	1	Intra Muscular
> 12 years	0.50	1	Intra Muscular

Timing of Infuenza Vaccine
October to mid November