Influenza vaccine: issues and opportunities

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2001 Mar;15(1):123-41, ix. doi: 10.1016/s0891-5520(05)70271-3.

Abstract

Several recent developments offer opportunities to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of influenza. Rapid diagnostic tests assist in selecting patients for antiviral therapy and avoid some antibiotic use. The neuraminidase inhibitors now offer therapeutic options with potentially fewer side effects than the traditional drugs, albeit at greater cost. Inactivated influenza vaccine is now recommended annually for all persons aged 50 and older and younger adults and children (aged 6 months and older) who have underlying risk factors for the severe complications of influenza. This includes pregnant women who are in their second or third trimesters during influenza season.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Influenza Vaccines* / administration & dosage
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / prevention & control
  • Risk Assessment
  • Vaccination*
  • Vaccines, Attenuated / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Influenza Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Attenuated