Influenza Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is challenging — Influenza should be considered, even in vaccinated patients
Conclusive diagnosis of influenza2
- Distinguishes viral from bacterial infection*
- Provides the option of using antiviral medications
- Reduces inappropriate antibiotic use
Awareness of influenza’s presence in the community can help increase diagnostic accuracy.2 Track the influenza virus in your area.
*Bacterial infection can occur as a secondary complication of influenza.
Influenza should not be ruled out, regardless of vaccination
Influenza vaccination coverage rates remain low
- According to the CDC, only 32.3% of all US target groups received an influenza vaccine in 200610
| Patient Age Group (Years) |
% Vaccinated US 200610 |
| 18-49 |
15.4 |
| 50-64 |
33.2 |
| ≥65 |
64.6 |
| 18-49 High risk |
26 |
| 50-64 High risk |
45.5 |
| Healthcare professionals <65 |
41.9 |
- More than 147 million had no flu vaccination10
Flu vaccine efficacy varies according to age and health of the recipient
| Patient Age Group (Years) |
CDC-Reported Flu Vaccine Efficacy Rates (%) |
| 58-104 |
17-5311 |
| 50-64 with ≥1 high-risk condition |
482 |
| 50-64 |
602 |
| 17-59 |
70-9011 |
- Retrospective study reported by CDC showed 49% flu vaccine efficacy among children aged 6-23 months receiving 2 doses of flu vaccine12
- Even less flu vaccine effectiveness (22%) demonstrated among children receiving only 1 dose12
No method of preventing influenza is 100% effective; vaccinated patients can still become infected.
Next topic: Recognizing Influenza Symptoms
