What does the World Health Organization say
about Influenza virus infections in humans?
This information is of particular
importance to individuals live with or who are pregnant, have children under
the age of 6, live with people over the age of 65, have or live with people who
have chronic illness such as diabetes, asthma, chronic bronchitis, other
pulmonary diseases, heart disease, kidney disease (and the list goes on…..)
Seasonal influenza viruses circulate and
cause disease in humans every year. In temperate climates diseases tend to
occur seasonally in the winter months, spreading from person to person through
sneezing, coughing or touching contaminated surfaces. Seasonal influenza
viruses can cause mild to severe illness, even death, particularly in some high
risk individuals. Persons at increased
risk for severe disease includes pregnant women, the very young and very old,
immune-compromised people, and people with chronic underlying medical
conditions. Seasonal influenza viruses evolve continuously, which means
that people can get infected multiple times throughout their lives. Therefore
the components of seasonal influenza vaccines are reviewed frequently
(currently twice a year) and updated periodically.
World Health Organization July 2013
