- children between the ages of six months and 2
years as well as their household members - people age 50 and older
- people who live in extended-care facilities and
other group settings - people who work in health-care and public
safety positions - people over age six months who have chronic
health conditions
Occasionally there are shortages of vaccine, as
occurred in 2004, which is a significant public
health issue. When this occurs, public health
agencies such as the US Centers for Disease Con-
trol and Prevention (CDC) and the US Depart-
ment of Health and Human Services (HHS) issue
revised guidelines to protect those who are most
vulnerable to complications.
Antiviral Medications
Because influenza is a viral infection, most treat-
ment measures are supportive and target symp-
toms. From a prevention standpoint, ANTIVIRAL
MEDICATIONSthat can reduce the severity of symp-
toms can also reduce the spread of influenza infec-
tion. A doctor must prescribe an antiviral
medication within 48 hours of the onset of symp-
toms; the more quickly after exposure, the more
effective the medication. Antiviral medications
available in the United States include amantadine
(Symmetrel), rimantadine (Flumadine), zanamivir
(Relenza), and oseltamivir (Tamiflu).
Frequent HAND WASHINGand sneezing or cough-
ing into a tissue or the sleeve rather than the
hands are among the most effective measures for
preventing the spread of the influenza virus from
person to person.
See also INCUBATION PERIOD; TRANSMISSION MODES.36 Preventive Medicine