It’s that time of year when we have reminders that the flu season is ahead and we need to take preventive measures. There are reports that low to moderate flu activity was appearing in Oklahoma and South Carolina in early December and that the flu activity should be picking up by the middle of the month.
In anticipation of the flu season, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has been making announcements about the new flu vaccine, explaining that what is being supplied this year will be more effective than what was used in the last season. Last year saw a severe flu season, with a record number of hospitalizations among the elderly. There were also 145 pediatric flu deaths. The vaccine was only 33 percent effective when the goal was 50 to 60 percent in other years. This was due to the appearance of a new H3N2 virus strain for which the vaccine was not effective.
According to NorthPark Medical Group, “CDC has announced that this year’s vaccine targets the H3N2 strain, among others, and anticipates a more successful year of combating the flu. They are recommending everyone six months or older to get a flu shot.” The following are especially at risk of developing flu-related complications and need the protection of the vaccine:
• Children under five years of age, especially those below two years old
• Adults aged 65 and older
• Pregnant women and those up to two weeks post partum
• Nursing home residents and those living in other long-term care facilities
• People with chronic lung disease or who have asthma
• Those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, metabolic disorders; those with weakened immune systems; those who are morbidly obese
• American Indians and Alaskan Natives
There are two forms of this year’s flu vaccine: the nasal spray (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine or LAIV) and the flu shot. Certain people should not get the nasal spray: children under two years of age, adults over 50 years of age, those with egg allergies, and pregnant women. Other allergies or health problems should be reported to the provider when getting either vaccine. People with pre-existing medical conditions or who are ill should consult their doctor.
Here are some resources if you wish more information about the flu vaccine:
• If want to know more about the flu vaccine http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/flu.pdf
• Tips for parents taking a child for the flu shot http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/tools/tips-factsheet.html
• About the 2015-2016 flu vaccine and other information http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
