Target populations for influenza vaccine include people 65 years of age and older, health care workers and people with chronic health conditions such as lung disease. Influenza vaccines are covered by Medicare and other health insurance programs. Most people experience little or no reaction to the vaccine. One in four people may have a swollen, red, tender area where the vaccination is given. The best period to receive the influenza vaccine is soon after the vaccine becomes available in the fall of each year.
Influenza is a very serious illness for anyone at high risk.
Both drugs are used as preventive medications, but they must be taken daily as long as influenza cases continue to occur in the community. Both may cause mild side effects. The researchers concluded that zanamivir may be useful in preventing influenza A and B. Zanamivir belongs to a class of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors. In 1998, researchers published a study showing that a nasal spray vaccine was highly successful in preventing influenza in a large test in children. The nasal spray vaccine has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.