You need to give yourself time to fully recuperate from influenza and prevent the development of secondary infections that can cause bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia. The most effective preventive measure against influenza is to be inoculated every fall against strains that have developed since the previous outbreak. Influenza vaccine is available through physicians and public-health facilities. The vaccine is usually given as a single injection, although children may receive two. If you are pregnant, wait until your second trimester and make sure your doctor approves of the vaccination.
Some people develop low fever and muscle aches as side effects of the vaccine.
Because the vaccine is grown in chicken embryos, it is not recommended for people allergic to eggs. Amantadine and rimantadine are oral antiviral medications that may lessen your risk of contracting type A flu, but they are most effective if you begin to take them a few weeks before flu season begins or within two days after symptoms appear. Usually these drugs are prescribed for people at high risk for developing complications from flu, such as people with chronic lung disease or the elderly. If the virus has already begun to circulate in your community, a doctor may also prescribe amantadine while you are waiting for a vaccination. If so, continue taking it for two weeks after you are vaccinated to ensure that you are adequately protected while your body builds up its immune response to the vaccine.