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Following an influenza vaccination, you are likely to be protected from the flu for up to a year after receiving it. Even if the flu vaccine fails to prevent you from contracting the virus, it will make the symptoms of the illness less severe than they would otherwise be. Influenza is a viral virus that affects your respiratory system, which includes your nose, throat, and lungs, among other organs. Influenza is usually referred to as the flu, however it is not the same virus that causes stomach "flu" symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. The flu is usually self-resolving for the majority of people. However, influenza and its consequences might be fatal in some instances. Those who are at greater risk of experiencing flu complications include: - Young children under the age of five, particularly those under the age of six months; - Adults over the age of 65; and - Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care institutions Those who have chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, renal disease, liver disease, and diabetes, as well as those who are extremely obese and have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above, are at higher risk of infection. The annual influenza vaccine, despite the fact that it is not 100 percent effective, is still your best line of defense against the flu.