What are the methods for preventing influenza (flu)?

From the Guidelines

To prevent the flu, get an annual flu vaccine, which is the most effective preventive measure. The flu vaccine works by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies against the influenza virus, providing protection before you're exposed 1. Even if you do contract the flu after vaccination, symptoms are typically milder and complications less likely. The vaccine is reformulated annually to target the most prevalent strains predicted for the upcoming flu season, which is why yearly vaccination is necessary.

Some key points to consider when getting the flu vaccine include:

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends an inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) as the primary choice for all children because the effectiveness of live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) was inferior against influenza A (H1N1) during past seasons and is unknown against influenza A (H1N1) for this upcoming season 1.
• LAIV may be used for children who would not otherwise receive an influenza vaccine and for whom it is appropriate according to age and health status 1.
• Children should receive the influenza vaccine as soon as possible after it is available in their community, preferably by the end of October 1.
• All children with egg allergy of any severity can receive either an IIV or LAIV without any additional precautions beyond those recommended for any vaccine 1.

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, other methods for preventing the flu include:

• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after being in public places.
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap isn't available.
• Avoiding close contact with sick individuals and limiting touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Maintaining healthy habits by getting adequate sleep, staying physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious foods to support your immune system.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and electronic devices.
• Staying home if you do feel sick to prevent spreading illness to others.

It's also important to note that antiviral medications are important in the control of influenza but are not a substitute for influenza vaccination 1. Nonpharmacologic interventions, such as advising frequent handwashing and improved respiratory hygiene, are reasonable and inexpensive, and these strategies have been demonstrated to reduce respiratory diseases 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

RELENZA does not take the place of receiving a flu vaccination. Talk to your healthcare provider about when you should receive an annual flu vaccination. The efficacy of oseltamivir phosphate in preventing naturally occurring influenza illness has been demonstrated in three seasonal prophylaxis (community outbreak) clinical trials and one post-exposure prophylaxis trial in household contacts

The methods for preventing influenza (flu) include:

• Receiving an annual flu vaccination 2
• Taking oseltamivir phosphate 75 mg once daily for 42 days during a community outbreak or 75 mg once daily for 7 days for post-exposure prophylaxis in household contacts 3
• Taking zanamivir 2 inhalations (use 1 blister per inhalation) 1 time each day for 10 or 28 days as prescribed by a healthcare provider 2

From the Research

Methods for Preventing Influenza (Flu)

• The primary preventive measure against influenza is vaccination, which is recommended for all people 6 months of age or older, including pregnant and postpartum women, unless the individual has a contraindication 4
• Vaccination should occur at the beginning of flu season, which typically begins in October, and it takes approximately 14 days after vaccination for a healthy adult to reach peak antibody protection 4
• Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged ≥6 months who do not have contraindications, and for each recipient, a licensed and age-appropriate vaccine should be used 5, 6
• In addition to vaccination, antiviral medications such as oseltamivir, zanamivir, and amantadine can be used in the prevention of influenza, particularly in post-exposure prophylaxis and seasonal prophylaxis 7
• Interventions that improve access to and uptake of the influenza vaccine, such as mandatory vaccine screening, creation of a vaccine administration protocol, and education for family, provider, and nursing, can also be effective in preventing influenza 8

Types of Influenza Vaccines

• Inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV4s), recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV4), and live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4) are expected to be available for the influenza season 5
• Most influenza vaccines available will be quadrivalent, with the exception of MF59-adjuvanted IIV, which is expected to be available in both quadrivalent and trivalent formulations 6

Special Considerations

• Vaccination soon after vaccine becomes available can be considered for pregnant women in the third trimester, and children who need 2 doses should receive their first dose as soon as possible after vaccine becomes available 5
• Contraindications and precautions to the use of certain influenza vaccines, such as a history of severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of any egg-based IIV, LAIV, or RIV, should be considered when administering the vaccine 5, 6