Time to get your flu vaccine
It’s only the flu! Many times the term, “the flu” is used to explain everything from a cold to upset stomachs. Real influenza is caused by a virus and is a serious disease that causes an average of 20,000 deaths annually in the U.S. alone.
There are three types of influenza: A, B, and C. Influenza C is a mild illness and not a threat. Influenza B is generally milder than influenza A, but both typically cause fever over 101 degrees, sore throat, severe headache and body aches and cough that can last up to two weeks.
Influenza can lead to pneumonia, a bacterial lung infection which can be fatal. Complications from pneumonia cause most of the fatalities and morbidity attributed to the flu. Older Americans as well as those with heart and lung problems, diabetes and immune diseases are most susceptible to complications.
Fortunately it is relatively easy to avoid the flu. Vaccine against the current strains of influenza are given beginning in October. Full immunity takes two weeks to develop. Flu vaccine is very effective at reducing the risk of the flu which typically does not appear until December.
Anyone can get flu vaccine if they wish to reduce their risk, particularly those exposed to the public daily, such as teachers and day care workers. It is strongly recommended for anyone over 65 and for people over 50 with other medical problems. People of any age who have asthma and other lung diseases, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, immune disorders and hemoglobin disorders, such as, sickle cell anemia should be vaccinated. Healthcare providers should be vaccinated to reduce the likelihood of transmission.
Children on chronic aspirin therapy should be vaccinated since aspirin use in influenza is a cause of Reye’s syndrome, a serious metabolic problem. Pregnant women should consider the vaccine but only after the first three months of pregnancy, even though flu vaccine has not been associated with harm to unborn children. Finally, nursing home residents of any age should be vaccinated. Only people with severe egg allergy should avoid getting a flu shot. Side effects are rare and mild and usually are seen only after the first dose ever received.
People infected with flu virus pass it on for a few days before they realize they are infected. As with other respiratory diseases, the virus is spread through the air mostly through the sneezes and coughs of infected people. It can also be picked up by shaking hands with infected people or from touching things they have touched. By touching our nose, mouth or eyes after we’ve come in contact with the virus, we place it into our own physical systems where it multiplies and makes us sick. That’s why frequent hand-washing is important, especially during cold and flu season. In fact, aside from getting a flu shot, hand-washing may be the best way to avoid getting the flu.
If you do get the flu, treatment is available. There are currently four medications that can treat the flu, but they work best if begun in the first few days. Decongestants, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can relieve the symptoms—but they don’t necessarily treat the virus. If you think you have the flu, the best thing to do is call your doctor. For more information go to: