| September/October 2009 | New Clinicians | Events | Previous Issues | Spotlight | Home |
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Roll up your sleeve: It's flu shot time
Coughs, sneezes and wheezes are common this time of year, yet many individuals neglect to protect themselves against illnesses such as the flu and the common cold. Although a cold may make you miserable for a few days, it's often not cause for concern. The flu, on the other hand, can develop into a serious condition, especially for children and the elderly.The flu shot tradition To help keep yourself healthy, make a flu shot part of your yearly fall routine. Vaccination guidelines for adults have not changed. Anyone who wants to reduce the risk of flu can receive the shot.* If you're at high risk of getting the flu – you are 50 or greater, pregnant, have a chronic condition or work in close contact with others – rolling up your sleeve can help prevent serious flu complications, such as bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and ear and sinus infections. Children need to receive the flu shot, too. Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began recommending that all children ages 6 months to 18 years receive the flu shot. The CDC estimates that more than 20,000 children age 5 and younger are hospitalized each year because of flu. What's new this year? This fall, health officials expect not only seasonal influenza but also the 2009 H1N1 influenza, which is sweeping the globe in the first flu pandemic in 40 years. The good news is that reported cases of H1N1 flu in the United States have been milder than anticipated, with few reported deaths. The main difference between seasonal influenza and H1N1 is that seasonal influenza tends to hit those with weakened immune systems, such as infants and the elderly, while H1N1 flu can strike people of all ages severely. According to the CDC, while there is no vaccine available right now to protect against the H1N1 virus, a H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and will likely be ready in late fall. It will be a separate vaccine from the seasonal flu shot. Your clinic can provide you with greater details as they become available. Get the facts on flu Don't let the flu bring you down this season. To learn more about this year's flu vaccines, talk to your HealthEast clinician.
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| This publication does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional. Images may be from one or more of these sources: ©Jupiterimages, ©Getty Images, ©iStock. ©2009 HealthEast Care System | |
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