If the influenza virus has been isolated in the district, then a typical symptom pattern is enough to make a diagnosis. Though often called stomach flu, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea occur in only about five percent of people with epidemic influenza. All people age 65 and older and patients of any age with chronic chest diseases, including asthma. Heart disease patients need protection too. Essential personnel working in the nursing home, hospital, the police force, or the fire department should have them.
Protection develops one to two weeks after a single vaccination shot.
The influenza virus occurs in animals, such as birds and cattle, as well as humans. Where people live close to animals and close together, as in Central China, viruses can be exchanged, so from year to year the characteristics of the virus change. Yearly vaccination is essential. A worldwide public health network identifies the first viruses and by November a new vaccine is made available. Yes, there is a medicine, amantadine, a capsule taken daily from the onset of the epidemic until the threat of infection is over.