Influenza can be prevented with the influenza vaccine. This vaccine is produced each year so that it can be effective against influenza viruses that are expected to cause illness that year. A yearly influenza vaccination has been reported to be between 67 and 92 percent effective in preventing influenza and reducing the severity of the influenza. Target populations for influenza vaccine include people 50 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 can be 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.