risk of infection because the virus is inactivated by soap. Wearing a surgical mask is also useful. Yearly vaccinations against influenza is recommended by the World Health Organization in those at high risk.
The vaccine is usually effective against three or four types of influenza. It is usually well tolerated. A vaccine made for one year may be not be useful in the following year, since the virus evolves rapidly.
Antiviral drugs such as the neuraminidase inhibitors oseltamivir among others have been used to treat influenza.Their benefits in those who are otherwise healthy do not appear to be greater than their risks. No benefit has been found in those with other health problem. Influenza may also affect other animals, including pigs, horses and birds