Influenza Vaccines Help Minimize the Severity of Flu

Two types of influenza vaccines are made and released each year: A influenza A vaccine, which is made using a live virus, and arixovir, which contain an anti-influenza component. Men and women are encouraged to receive these two vaccines at least one month apart, although the recommended schedule varies by age. The highest rates of infection occur in people between the ages of five and nineteen years, which is why children are commonly vaccinated between the ages of six to fourteen years. However, anyone from any age group may become infected if they are exposed to one of these viruses during their entire life. Even healthy adults can become infected with these harmful viruses and so the need to get vaccinated is high.

Another kind of influenza vaccines is made to combat the "swine flu" virus, which is caused by a strain of influenza A virus. This strain is not easily transmitted among people, unlike the h1n1 virus, but it does still circulate. So anyone who may come in contact with a contaminated item or other person who has the infection is recommended to be vaccinated against this strain. Unlike the h1n1 virus, this variety tends to be more difficult to transmit. However, the fact that it cannot easily be transmitted makes it less threatening to people.