This season, National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) takes place from December 7 – 13, 2014. It’s that time again. Time to get your influenza vaccine. But before you go, you might be interested to learn more about flu vaccine effectiveness. You may also want to know how to spot symptoms or signs of influenza type a, should you become infected. What should you do if you or a loved one end up having to go to the hospital over this issue? Here, we will talk about all these topics and much more.

Flu Vaccine Effectiveness

Influenza type A, the illness that the influenza vaccine protects us against, is a virus. Without lots of cleaning and/or disinfectant, viruses spread quickly. And you can never know where you might pick it up. However, flu vaccine can help to protect you against this virus. Believe it or not, flu vaccines are tested for effectiveness before they are released to the public. Flu vaccine effectiveness is especially important to those who are at a higher risk for the illness. This includes the elderly, those who work with the very young or the very old, as well as those with other medical issues.

Symptoms of Influenza Type A

How would you know if you or someone you love might have influenza type a? Look for any of these flu symptoms:

• Feeling very tired;
• Having the chills;
• A fever that is around 100 degrees or higher (sometimes this happens, other times it does not);
• Cold like symptoms, including a sore or itchy throat, coughing, and a congested or running nose;
• Body aches and pains;
• Headaches;
• In younger patients, you might notice things like running stool, upset stomach, or vomiting.

If you notice a few of these symptoms at once, you need to seek medical attention.

If You Have to Go to the Doctor

What happens if you have to go to the doctor (or even the ER) due to influenza type a? Be sure to bring all your medical information with you, including what medications you are on. If you or your loved one has a medical ID bracelet, be sure that you wear it (especially if you are in an emergency situation). Remember that the flu is pretty common. If you seek medical attention, or take the proper precautions before you get the illness (like taking influenza vaccine) chances are you will be fine. Be sure to stay hydrated and isolate yourself.