Influenza infection

Advise patients with influenza to avoid close contact with uninfected individuals so as to prevent transmission of respiratory secretions and therefore limit spread of the virus in the community.

Make patients aware that the seasonal influenza vaccine is an annual vaccine whose components are reflective of the predicted strains for that season. Thus it needs to be administered each season.

Patients should also be aware of fraudulent and unapproved over-the-counter products that claim to prevent or cure influenza. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers that while there are legal over-the-counter products available to reduce influenza symptoms, there are no legally marketed over-the-counter drugs available for prevention or cure of influenza.[170]US Food and Drug Administration. FDA warns of fraudulent and unapproved flu products. Mar 2018 [internet publication]. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-fraudulent-and-unapproved-flu-products