Vaccines for Preventing Influenza in Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Influenza is an acute respiratory infection that imposes a heavy burden on society. The illness itself usually lasts a few days but the residual symptoms of cough and malaise can last for weeks. In addition, it can cause complications such as otitis media, pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia, exacerbations of chronic respiratory disease, bronchiolitis, febrile seizures, Reye's syndrome, and myocarditis.¹ Vaccines have been developed in attempt to minimize the effects of influenza. However, given the yearly antigenic changes of the virus, a new vaccine has to be developed, produced, and administered to the population every year.² The Cochrane review discussed here assesses the efficacy of vaccines in preventing influenza in healthy adults including pregnant women.

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