Some Quick Info About the 2009 Flu Season and Vaccine 

    It seem like the word “ flu” is in the news every day.  The CDC (Center for Disease Control) is URGENTLY recommending that people get vaccinated right away. The vaccine for our usual flu should arrive at our office by the beginning of September. Here is some quick information about the flu and the flu vaccine. 

    Influenza KILLS 30,000 to 40,000 people every year IN THE USA and hospitalizes more than 200,000. This is to the tune of somewhere around $10 BILLION just for a moderate epidemic.

 

    Healthcare used to push the vaccine for the very young and very old, and those with other diseases which could make them more vulnerable………..BUT, it is more effective to vaccinate anyone who is out in the public such as health care workers, public school teachers, students, travelers, factory workers, store clerks etc.  THESE people easily spread the disease BEFORE they even have any symptoms.  By giving individuals immunity, they are less likely to spread the disease.

 

    Both the intensity of the disease and the length of the season have increased over the years. The vaccine is designed to be effective for the WHOLE length of the season and is encouraged to be gotten early, as it is hard to predict when and where the disease will start. BUT, if for some reason, you do not get an early vaccine, you can get one even into January, February or March.

 

    The disease is respiratory and is spread just like a common cold, by droplets in the air from coughs and sneezes or by touching anything where these droplets have landed.  The symptoms last 1 to 2 weeks, but the persistent cough can last for many more weeks. The symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and tiredness.

 

    What about the H1N1 influenza (also called swine influenza or swine flu)?  This is a different strain of flu not covered by our normal flu shot.  If the vaccine that has been created for this strain proves effective in trials, it will be released for the public.  If it is available to doctor’s offices for distribution, we will get it.  We will keep you informed through our web site.

 

To summarize why you should get the flu shot:

1. 1.So you do not get sick unnecessarily from the flu.
   

2. 2.So you do not suffer complications from the flu.
   

3. 3.To protect others from getting the flu, including loved ones, co-workers, the elderly, the young, and those with other complicating diseases
   

4. 4.So you do not have to miss work.  In these days of recession, missing work is not a good idea.
   

5. 5.To save the healthcare system or your own pocketbook a lot of money.
   

6. 6.To help prevent the loss of 36,000 or more lives in the USA alone or 500,000 world wide
   

Questions and Answers about the Vaccine

Note: This article is for interest only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical concerns or diseases. No course of treatment or medical decision should be made without directly contacting your healthcare provider.

      Leola Family Health Center         www.leolafamilyhealth.com