Influenza (Flu)
What is Influenza (also called “flu”)
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children and people with certain health conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, kidney or heart disease) are at greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu.
This flu season, scientists believe that a new and very different flu virus (called novel 2009 H1N1) may cause a lot more people to get sick than during a regular flu season. It may also cause more hospital stays and deaths than regular seasonal flu.
Flu viruses are spread by exposure to a cough or sneeze from a person who has the flu. It can also be spread by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching ones mouth or nose. It is possible to pass the flu virus on to others without even knowing you have the flu.
How is the flu prevented?
· The “flu shot”, is a vaccine containing dead virus, given with a needle (does not cause the flu)
· The nasal-spray, a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses (does not cause the flu)
The flu vaccination has to be given each year and should be given as soon as the vaccine is available, usually in September or October. While receiving the vaccine as soon as possible is best, one can still get the vaccine during the early winter months.
About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against the influenza virus. Flu vaccines do not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses. The influenza vaccine will not protect against the novel H1N1.
Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your need for protection against influenza (flu) as there are certain people who should not be vaccinated. Your healthcare provider will advise you as to which type of vaccine you should receive.
1. Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
2. Pregnant women (check with your obstetrician)
3. People 50 years of age or older
4. People of any age with certain medical conditions
5. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
6. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
· Health care workers
· Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
· Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (as these children are too young to be vaccinated)
Who should not be vaccinated?
Some people should not be vaccinated. They include:
1. A severe allergy to chicken eggs
2. Have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past
3. Have a history of Guillain-Barre’ syndrome
4. Children younger than 6 months
5. Have a moderate or severe illness with a fever (should wait to get vaccinated until the symptoms lessen).
If you have questions about whether you should get a flu vaccine, consult with your primary health-care provider.
The above information downloaded from www.cdc.gov/flu 9/24/09.
We presently do not provide vaccines to our patients, but we are concerned about your risk for contracting the flu. Flu vaccines can be obtained at your primary care physician’s office, your local health department, some pharmacies and/or senior centers. We recommend you discuss this information with your primary care physician or nurse.