Influenza & Vaccinations
Your country’s vaccination schedule is designed to protect your child and it’s especially important for individuals who have or had ANE occurrences to follow their physician’s recommendations in regards to all vaccinations such as rubella, measles, influenza and chickenpox. With Influenza a trigger in many ANE cases, vaccinations are an issue close to the heart for many affected families. We have found that most Doctors recommend the seasonal influenza vaccinations for ANE patients. Please talk to your treating doctor for their individual recommendations for all vaccines.
Flu Facts
According to the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/influenza/vaccines/en/):
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and severe outcomes caused by influenza viruses.
Development and production of influenza vaccines, planning for their supplies and use as well as provision of other respective health care resources are essential components of a comprehensive seasonal and pandemic influenza response.
For more than 50 years, WHO has been collaborating with scientists and policy makers on a global scale to develop a unified approach to manufacturing, testing and regulatory oversight of influenza vaccine development as well as their efficient use and distribution.
Key Facts on Influenza:
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Seasonal influenza is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person.
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Seasonal influenza viruses circulate worldwide and can affect people in any age group.
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In temperate climates, seasonal epidemics occur mainly during winter while in tropical regions, influenza seasonality is less obvious and epidemics can occur throughout the year.
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Seasonal influenza is a serious public health problem that causes severe illness and death in high risk populations.
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An influenza epidemic can take an economic toll through lost workforce productivity and strained health services.
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Influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent disease.
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Antiviral drugs are available for treatment, though influenza viruses can develop resistance to the drugs.
What else can you do?
Good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent flu .
1. Avoid close contact with sick people and keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
3. Cover your mouth and nose in the crook of your arm when sneezing or coughing.
4.Good hand washing habit your hands.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
7. Carry hand sanitizer
Althought most Infections Disease Doctors will not recommend the Nasal Mist for families that have a history of ANE, here’s an article to consider on flu vaccination in regards to Injection vs Nasal Mist:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/flu-vaccine-nasal-spray-1.3784239
ANE Families on Influenza
“2 years ago he was fighting for his life because of Influenza A and ANE.“
“Vaccinating her sister for flu this year was bittersweet. It reminds us that Lucy isn’t here and we lost our daughter”.
“He was up to date on all of his vaccinations but didn’t receive the flu vaccine for this season. He tested positive for influenza B, during the night he spiked a high fever, had a seizure, and we found him unresponsive. All of which lead to an ANE diagnosis. His neurologist has said to continue vaccinations.“
“She had all 3 sets of baby injections which didn’t cause her ANE, her’s happened because of the flu & a throat infection”.
“She had all her vaccinations except for the flu. We didn’t think she was in an “at risk group”. She was healthy and over 5. Her ANE was triggered by influenza B. We never miss the flu shot now and have had other vaccinations since ANE with no issues, she has genetic ANE”.