Seasonal influenza - winter 2010
On 10 August 2010, theWorld Health Organization(WHO) declared that the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) pandemic was officially over.
However,the H1N1 flu virusis one of the main viruses circulating this winter (2010/11). Therefore, the H1N1 flu virus antigen is included as one of the three strains in all 2010-11 seasonal flu vaccines. The other two strains of flu this year's vaccine protects against are H3N2 and influenza type B.
A yearly seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine is recommended for people in vulnerable groups, such as adults age 65 years and older, and any adults or children age 6 months and older with serious underlying medical conditions such as asthma or heart disease. Pregnant women are also included this year. These individuals are at increased risk of developing severe symptoms or complications with flu.
