Influenza is a highly mutable virus that causes hundreds of thousands of deaths and hospitalizations annually but also poses a persistent pandemic threat. We’re working to accelerate the development of next generation, broadly protective vaccines for influenza to better prepare for and prevent the next pandemic.
What is influenza?
Influenza — specifically sesonal influenza, or “the flu” — is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It is common in every part of the world.
How does a person get infected with influenza?
The flu spreads easily via droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. People with the flu are the most contagious during the first three days of illness.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include acute onset of fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, and fatigue. Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea, though this is most common in children. Fever may not always be present, and other symptoms may be mild and mistaken for the common cold.
Who is at an increased risk of severe influenza?
Even healthy people in low-risk groups can develop serious flu-related problems like pneumonia, sinus and ear infections, heart and brain inflammation, and organ failure.
Those most at risk include people 65 years and older, those with certain chronic conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease), pregnant people, individuals receiving chemotherapy or living with suppressed immune systems due to HIV and other conditions, and children younger than 5 years old. Children 2 and under are at an even greater risk of these complications.
What is the treatment for influenza?
Most people with the flu will recover on their own. If you have mild symptoms, avoid other people, rest, drink fluids, and manage symptoms such as fever. Those at high risk or who begin experiencing signs of severe symptoms should be treated with antiviral medications as soon as possible.
How can people protect themselves from infection?
Vaccination is the best way to lower chances of getting the flu. Other preventive measures include washing your hands regularly, avoiding close contact with sick people, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and staying home, and avoiding contact with others if you feel unwell.
Why do we need to get a new flu shot every year?
The latest vaccines offer you the most effective protection, as the disease is ever evolving. “The virus that circulates for one season is not the one that will circulate during the next season, and therefore the vaccine needs to be updated,” says bacteriologist and Sabin Gold Medal Winner Rino Rappouli. And even if you are in a low-risk group, getting vaccinated may reduce your risk of transmitting the disease to others who may be high-risk individuals.
Those most at risk include
Relevant Resources
Influenza Vaccine Innovation Program Impact Report
Influence of the Stars: An Influenza Documentary
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