Influenza: the virus and prophylaxis with inactivated influenza vaccine in "at risk" groups, including COPD patients.
Influenza is a major respiratory pathogen, which exerts a huge human and economic toll on society. Influenza is a vaccine preventable disease, however, the vaccine strains must be annually updated due to the continuous antigenic changes in the virus. Inactivated influenza vaccines have been used for over 50 years and have an excellent safety record. Annual vaccination is therefore recommended for all individuals with serious medical conditions, like COPD, and protects the vaccinee against influenza illness and also against hospitalization and death. In COPD patients, influenza infection can lead to exacerbations resulting in reduced quality of life, hospitalization and death in the most severe cases. Although there is only limited literature on the use of influenza vaccination solely in COPD patients, there is clearly enough evidence to recommend annual vaccination in this group. This review will focus on influenza virus and prophylaxis with inactivated influenza vaccines in COPD patients and other "at risk" groups to reduce morbidity, save lives, and reduce health care costs.
Hovden
Arnt-Ove
AO
The Influenza Centre, The Gade Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. arnt-ove.hovden@gades.uib.no
Cox
Rebecca Jane
RJ
Haaheim
Lars Reinhardt
LR
D000075202:Contraindications; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity; D009981:Influenza B virus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology; D015164:Vaccines, Inactivated / Q000627:therapeutic use
D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D015164:Vaccines, Inactivated