Influenza is a respiratory infectious disease that involves fever and is often severe. Spreads via respiratory droplets or by hands contaminated with influenza viruses. Influenza occurs as epidemics mostly during the winter season all around the world. Healthy adults generally recover from the disease after 1–2 weeks by resting. In young children, the elderly and people with underlying illnesses, influenza can lead to sequelae, such as ear infections or pneumonia, or even death. The influenza vaccine is included in the National Vaccination Programme for children aged under 7, people over 65 years of age, pregnant women, members of risk groups, those close to a person susceptible to serious influenza, part of social welfare, healthcare and medical care personnel and men starting their military service and women starting their voluntary military service. The vaccine is given annually.
- Lääkeinfo.fi: VaxigripTetra (in Finnish)
- In the National Vaccination Programme for people of all ages starting from six months of age
- Lääkeinfo.fi: Fluarix Tetra (in Finnish)
- For people of all ages starting from six months of age
- From pharmacies by prescription
- Lääkeinfo.fi: Fluenz (in Finnish)
- For children starting from 24 months of age
- From pharmacies by prescription
- Lääkeinfo.fi: Efluelda Tetra (in Finnish)
- For people over 60 years of age
- From pharmacies by prescription
- THL, Infectious diseases: Influenza (in Finnish)
- THL, Immunisation: Influenza vaccine
- Duodecim, Diseases: Influenza (in Finnish)
- THL, Traveller’s Health Guide: Seasonal influenza (in Finnish)
- WHO, Fact sheet: Influenza
