Are You Ready for This Year's Flu Season?
What is the flu and who is at risk?
Influenza (also called "the flu") is a viral infection in the
nose, throat and lungs. About 10% to 20% of Americans get the flu each year. Some people get very sick. Each year, about 130,000 people go to a
hospital with the flu, and 20,000 people die because of the flu and complications.
The flu may cause fever, cough, sore throat, a runny or
stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and tiredness. Some people describe the flu as being like the worst cold of their life. Most people feel better
after 1 or 2 weeks.
Some people have a higher risk of flu complications,
like pneumonia. If you are in any of these groups, you should get the flu vaccine every year:
- All children aged 6 to 23 months
- All adults aged 65 years and older
- All women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season
- Residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- Individuals aged 2 to 64 years who have long-term health problems
- Children aged 6 months to 18 years who are on chronic aspirin therapy
- Health care workers who have direct contact with patients
- Caregivers and household contacts of
children less than 6 months of age
How can I avoid getting the flu?
The best way to avoid getting the flu is to get the influenza vaccine each
fall, before the flu season. The vaccine is available by shot or by nasal spray. The vaccines work by exposing your immune system to the flu virus.
Your body will build up antibodies to the virus to protect you from getting the flu. The flu shot contains dead viruses. The nasal-spray vaccine
contains live but weakened viruses. You cannot get the flu from the flu shot or the nasal-spray vaccine.
Some people who get the vaccine will still get the flu, but they will
usually get a milder case than people who aren't vaccinated. The vaccine is especially recommended for people who are more likely to get really sick
from flu-related complications.
Is there anyone who shouldn't get the flu shot?
Yes. The following people should talk to their doctor before getting the
flu shot:
-
People who have had an allergic reaction to a flu shot in the past
-
People with an allergy to eggs
-
People who previously developed
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a reversible reaction that causes partial or complete loss of movement of muscles, weakness or a tingling sensation in
the body) within 6 weeks of getting a flu shot
Is
there anyone who shouldn't get the nasal-spray vaccine?
Yes. The following people should talk to their doctor before getting
the nasal-spray vaccine:
- Children less than 5 years of age
- Adults 50 years of age and older
- People with long-term health problems
- People with weakened immune systems
- Children aged 6 months to 18 years who are on
chronic asprin therapy
- People with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Pregnant women
- People who have had an allergic reaction to a
flu vaccine in the past or to eggs
If I get the flu vaccine, can I still get the flu?
Yes. Even with a flu vaccine, you aren't
100% protected. Each year, the flu vaccine contains 3 different strains (kinds) of the virus. The strains chosen are those that scientists believe
are most likely to show up in the United States that year. If the choice is right, the vaccine is 70% to 90% effective in preventing the flu in
healthy people under 65 years of age. If you're older than 65, the vaccine is less likely to prevent the flu. Even if you get the flu
after being vaccinated, your flu symptoms should be milder than if you didn't get the vaccine. You'll also be less likely to get complications
from the flu.
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes. The flu vaccine is safe. There are
very few side effects. If you got the flu shot, your arm may be sore for a few days . You may have a fever, feel tired or have sore muscles for a
short time. If you got the nasal-spray vaccine, you may have a runny nose, headache, cough or sore throat.
Can I get the flu vaccine if I am pregnant or nursing?
If you are pregnant during flu season, you cannot get the nasal-spray
vaccine. However, it is recommended that women who will be pregnant during flu season get the shot. Pregnancy can increase your risk for
complications from the flu.
It is also safe to get the flu shot while breast feeding your baby. The flu
shot cannot cause you or your nursing baby to get sick.
What are antiviral flu drugs?
Antiviral flu drugs are prescription medicines that can be used to help
prevent and/or treat the flu. There are four antiviral flu drugs: amantadine (one brand name: Symmetrel), oseltamivir (brand name: Tamiflu),
rimantadine (brand name: Flumadine) and zanamavir (brand name: Relenza). All 4 of these antiviral drugs have been approved to treat
the flu. If you take one of these drugs within 2 days of getting sick, it can lessen your symptoms, decrease the amount of time you are sick and make
you less contagious to other people. However, most healthy people who have the flu get better without using an antiviral flu drug. Your doctor will
decide whether one of these medicines is right for you.
Other
Organizations
CDC 2004-2005 Interim Influenza Vaccine Recommendations
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/whoshouldget.htm
800-232-2522
American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Influenza Immunization Schedule
http://www.aafp.org/x26493.xml
Flu Shot Availibility
Starting October 21, 2006 we will
be giving out our flu shots. Please walk-in for the flu vaccine. Supplies are limited on a first come first served
basis.
As
always, if you have any questions or comments,
feel free to email us anytime!
Elaine Dauwalder,FNP Elaine@AFDclinics.com
