Experts say a drug that can be used to treat influenza is on the market.
How does it work?
This year, doctors have been able to use a drug called influenza toxin that’s been approved to treat a wide variety of illnesses.
What’s more, the drug is used to reduce flu symptoms in people with other illnesses.
How do I know it’s a flu vaccine?
There’s been no FDA approval of this type of drug for use as an influenza vaccine.
That means it’s not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
What about other vaccines?
Other vaccines used to fight influenza include: Influenza vaccine, which can prevent the flu, and pneumococcal vaccine, used to prevent pneumonia and other complications.
How many people can be vaccinated?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the number of people vaccinated in the United States will reach 100 million by the end of the year.
How much does it cost?
The cost of a flu shot is typically $75 for adults and $90 for children.
How often does the vaccine be administered?
The vaccine is administered once every four to six weeks, depending on the type of flu virus and how severe the symptoms are.
Is the vaccine safe?
Flu shots are highly effective at preventing the flu and at preventing serious illness, but they do not prevent transmission of the virus to others.
How can I get a flu vaccination?
The National Institutes of Health recommends getting vaccinated for the flu vaccine at least four to five weeks before you are scheduled to get your next dose.
You can also get a vaccine for other conditions that affect the body, such as pneumonia, if you’re in an area that’s getting a lot of flu activity, such, nursing homes and hospitals, or people with a weakened immune system.
Who should get the flu shot?
Anyone who is not currently vaccinated or has never been vaccinated should get it, the Centers for Diseases Control and Disease Control recommends.
If you’re a family member, take the vaccine at the same time you’re getting the flu shots for both your child and yourself.
How long does it last?
The flu vaccine protects against the virus for about three months.
After that, you may need a second dose.
What are the flu symptoms?
Flu symptoms usually last about three days, with flu-like symptoms lasting about seven days.
The flu is a contagious, life-threatening respiratory illness that can affect the lungs and other parts of the body.
Who is at risk for getting the vaccine?
People who have: Heart disease (high blood pressure or heart attack)