Flu Prevention and Treatment
Although the flu season varies in peak activity and duration based on
geographical location, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices (ACIP) recommends vaccination when influenza vaccine is available
in the Fall. The following persons should receive an influenza vaccine
for the 2008-2009 influenza season, according to ACIP recommendations:
all children aged 6 months through 18 years, all persons aged 50
years or older, and other adults at risk for complications for influenza
infection. In addition, persons who live with or care for persons who are
at high risk of complications should receive influenza vaccine.
Trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV) and live attenuated influenza vaccine
(LAIV) are recommended to reduce the risk of infection with influenza
virus and subsequent complications. The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has approved six vaccines for the 2008-2009 influenza season:
Afluria, Fluarix, FluLaval, Fluvirin, Fluzone, and FluMist. FluMist
is the LAIV. It is only recommended for healthy persons aged 2 through
49 years. Antiviral medications are also available for the treatment of the
flu. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are approved for both
the prevention and treatment of influenza, although the flu vaccine is the
first choice for prevention.