Flu vs. Flu

Would you expect a flu shot to protect against the "stomach flu"? Why or why not?

Identify some of the various causative agents of "stomach flu" and compare them to the influenza virus.

Explain how a vaccine provides immunity against infection. Are there any side effects to the influenza vaccine?

Is it reasonable gamble for Karen to skip the influenza vaccine this year?

What is antigenic drift?

What is antigenic shift?

Can Karen rely on antibiotics if she gets influenza this year? Why or why not?

Compare the effectiveness of vaccines to antibiotics prior to the infection.

Compare the effectiveness of vaccines to antibiotics after the start of symptoms.

When are antibiotics effective?

Should Karen's mother get an influenza shot, or is she too old?

Should Karen's sister who works in a daycare center or Mary's six month old niece get the influenza vaccine? Explain your answer.