Influenza

Influenza : un nom sérieux pour une maladie sérieuse

Influenza is serious

Invasive Bacterial Infections in Relation to Influenza Outbreaks, 2006-2010

Background. We aimed to define the excess morbidity associated with bloodstream infections (BSIs), imposed by pandemic H1N1 influenza during 2009–-2010 (pH1N1/2009–-2010) and seasonal influenza.

Methods. Eight hospitals, accounting for 33% of hospitalizations in Israel, provided data on BSI during 2006–2010. The age-specific incidence of BSI due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes was determined. BSI incidence rate ratios (IRRs) during seasonal and pH1N1 influenza seasons were assessed.

Conclusions. pH1N1 influenza seasons were characterized by marked increases in invasive S. aureus and S. pyogenes infections among children and adults, with the highest increase in S. pneumoniae BSI among children.

Consultation with health care professionals and influenza immunization among women in contact with young children

Analyzes whether consultation with a medical professional increases the likelihood of receiving a flu shot among women who have given birth in the past five years and to determine whether this association differs by type of medical professional. Consultation with family doctors was found to have the strongest association with annual flu shots among women in contact with young children.

Effect of influenza vaccination of children on infection in Hutterite communities : a randomized trial

The objective of this study was to assess whether vaccinating children and adolescents with inactivated influenza vaccine could prevent influenza in other community members. It was concluded that Immunizing children and adolescents with inactivated influenza vaccine significantly protected unimmunized residents of rural communities against influenza.

Helping healthcare workers decide : evaluation of an influenza immunization decision tool

Despite free and easy access to influenza vaccine, and resource consuming campaigns, immunization rates among health care workers (HCW) remain unacceptably low. This is in part due to decisional conflict, which may be alleviated by a decision aid. To address this issue we developed the Ottawa Influenza Decision Aid (OIDA) to help HCW make an informed decision about influenza immunization. Results of this study support the OIDA as a useful tool for HCWs considering influenza immunization.

Influenza vaccination, pneumococcal vaccination and risk of acute myocardial infarction : matched case-control study

Previous studies have shown an association between acute myocardial infarction and preceding respiratory infection. We aimed to investigate the possible association of influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination with acute myocardial infarction.

Influenza vaccine use in Nunavut : a brief overview of the uptake rates across the regions

Letter to the editor in the Canadian Journal of Public Health which examines the uptake of the influenza vaccine among Canadian Aboriginals in Nunavut.

Misconceptions about the flu

Addresses the top 10 misconceptions about the flu and the influenza vaccine.

Do healthy seniors really need the flu shot?

Explains why even healthy seniors should get the flu shot.