Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Every year in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the seasonal flu. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. Some people, such as older people, young children and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.
Two main types of influenza (flu) viruses, Type A and Type B, are responsible for the seasonal flu epidemics each year.
The injectable vaccine contains three inactivated (killed) influenza viruses – two Type A viruses and one Type B virus. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists’ estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year.
About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against the influenza virus infection develop in the body.
Yearly flu vaccination should begin in the fall as soon as the vaccine is available and continue throughout the influenza season, into December, January and beyond. This is because the timing and duration of influenza seasons vary. While influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later.
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the seasonal flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended that certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications.
People who should get vaccinated each year include:
Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
Pregnant women
People 50 years of age and older
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including health care workers, household contacts of persons at high risk and or out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age.
The ability of the flu vaccine to protect a person depends on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine and the similarity or “match” between the virus strains in the vaccine and those in circulation.
The flu vaccine that is available each fall is formulated to prevent seasonal flu. This year we have an additional influenza virus in circulation. The virus is Type A novel H1N1 (Swine Flu). The vaccine for this virus is being developed and should be available in late October or November. We will keep you informed about the availability of this vaccine and those persons who are thought to be at high risk. The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against pandemic H1N1 (Swine Flu).
To schedule an appointment for the seasonal flu vaccine, please contact the store and ask about our flu vaccine clinics.
If you have additional questions about the seasonal or novel H1N1 flu or would like more information, please contact Steve Adkins or Kay West.