All persons 65 years of age or older Residents of assisted living and chronic care facilities. Those with chronic diseases which compromise their immunity. Influenza is a virus, and therefore antibiotics have no effect on the flu. Vaccination is the best preventive measure. The components of the influenza vaccine varies from year to year.
Medical scientists survey various strains of influenza and their progression around the world.
They engineer the vaccine to prevent the most aggressive strains of influenza for the coming flu season. In some high risk patients, this vaccination is not indicated. Many believe that the influenza vaccine will give them a case of the flu. The vaccine is constructed out of inactivated influenza virus. Every 7-10 years.