The Importance of Vaccinating Children and Pregnant Women against Influenza Virus Infection

Influenza virus infection is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in the pediatric and pregnant women populations, with deaths frequently caused by severe influenza-associated lower respiratory tract infection and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). An appropriate immune respo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pathogens (Basel) 2019-11, Vol.8 (4), p.265
Main Authors: Misra, Ravi S, Nayak, Jennifer L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antibodies
Antigens
Breast milk
Chemokines
Children
Cytokines
Cytotoxicity
Dendritic cells
Immune response
Immune system
Infections
Inflammation
Influenza
Lymphocytes
Morbidity
Mutation
Pediatrics
Placenta
Pregnancy
Proteins
Public health
Respiratory distress syndrome
Respiratory tract
Respiratory tract diseases
Review
RNA polymerase
Surfactants
Vaccines
Viral infections
Viruses
Womens health
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Summary:Influenza virus infection is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in the pediatric and pregnant women populations, with deaths frequently caused by severe influenza-associated lower respiratory tract infection and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). An appropriate immune response requires controlling the viral infection through activation of antiviral defenses, which involves cells of the lung and immune system. High levels of viral infection or high levels of inflammation in the lower airways can contribute to ARDS. Pregnant women and young children, especially those born prematurely, may develop serious complications if infected with influenza virus. Vaccination against influenza will lead to lower infection rates and fewer complications, even if the vaccine is poorly matched to circulating viral strains, with maternal vaccination offering infants protection via antibody transmission through the placenta and breast milk. Despite the health benefits of the influenza vaccine, vaccination rates around the world remain well below targets. Trust in the use of vaccines among the public must be restored in order to increase vaccination rates and decrease the public health burden of influenza.
ISSN:2076-0817
2076-0817
DOI:10.3390/pathogens8040265