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Autumn begins today. You can already see advertisements for the flu shot at local pharmacies or get reminders from your personal physician. Every year, more than 200,000 Americans get the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 12,000 to 56,000 people are also at risk of dying from this disease or its complications each year. While most healthy people recover from the flu after several days, some do not recover as quickly and end up in the hospital.
The flu season usually peaks between late December and early March. So try to get vaccinated in the next few weeks. CDC recommends an annual flu shot for people over 6 months old. This is the first and most important step in protecting against this disease. Although there are many influenza viruses, the vaccine is designed to protect against the three main strains of influenza that research indicates may cause the most illness during the coming influenza season. Each year, the influenza vaccine is different from the previous year's vaccine. You must have one each year to prevent the disease in the coming year.
People in high-risk groups should be even more aware of getting the vaccine:
• Anyone over 2 years old with a chronic illness, such as a heart disease, lung or kidney, diabetes or weakened immune system;
• adults over 65 years old;
• residents of nursing homes;
• women who are or may be pregnant during the flu season;
• People who care for others at risk.
People who are allergic to eggs should first consult a doctor before getting vaccinated because the eggs are used to make the vaccine.
It is also important to note that everyone should take further steps to prevent influenza because the effectiveness of the vaccine varies from year to year. Always avoid contact with people you know to be sick. Wash your hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water to reduce the spread of germs.
This year again, the New York State Department of Health took the initiative to prevent the spread of influenza by requiring all people who work or volunteer in an illness. All local hospitals will adhere to this mandate. If you go to a medical facility and see someone wearing a mask, do not worry. This person may not have been able to receive the vaccine and simply follow the appropriate protocol.
Take precautions and get the flu shot if you can. You will do your part to prevent the spread of the disease and reduce complications. Vaccines are usually provided by your family doctor and are also available at many local pharmacies.
Laurie Haight, RN, is Director of Quality Assurance and Coordinator of Infection Control at Eastern Niagara Hospital. Eastern Niagara Healthlines is a special feature of the Sun Union and the Journal by Eastern Niagara Health System. For more information, call ENHS Community Relations at 514-5505.
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