Another commonly used name is flu vaccine . It is also known as a flu shot. There are many kinds of influenza viruses, but not all will cause problems in any given year. It is necessary to receive an influenza vaccine injection each year, since influenza infections are usually caused by different kinds of influenza viruses each year and because the protection gained by the vaccine lasts less than a year.
Influenza is a virus infection of the throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs.
Influenza infection causes fever, chills, cough, headache, and muscle aches and pains in your back, arms, and legs. In addition, adults and children weakened by other diseases or medical conditions and persons 50 years of age and over, even if they are healthy, may get a much more serious illness and may have to be treated in a hospital. Each year thousands of people die as a result of an influenza infection. The best way to help prevent influenza infection is to get an influenza vaccination each year, usually in early November. This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor or other health care professional.