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It's again this time of year – the flu season. The health care industry is aware of its arrival and is beginning to prepare for it well before the first reported cases.
However, each year is a new adventure as the viruses that cause the flu change constantly and it is not possible to predict the length of the season.
Regardless of the length of the flu season, being vaccinated against the flu is the main way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. It can reduce absences at school or work, doctor visits and influenza-related hospitalizations. Unfortunately, only about half of the population is vaccinated each year, even though the benefits of the flu vaccine continue to accumulate.
A recent study published in Pediatrics has shown that influenza vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of infant mortality from influenza. After analyzing laboratory-confirmed influenza pediatric deaths since 2004, the study concluded that most deaths occur in unvaccinated children. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control released a study that concluded that influenza vaccine halves the risk of influenza-related hospitalizations in adults 50 years of age and older.
If you have not already seen them, here are some updates to take into account this season:
• The nasal spray flu vaccine (LAIV) is an option for the 2018-1919 season for those deemed appropriate.
• Egg-allergic persons may receive any licensed, recommended, age-appropriate influenza vaccine.
Otherwise, most of the recommendations remain the same. An annual flu shot for all people six months and older is still the most important step in protecting against this serious illness. This is especially true for people over 65 years old. Children six months to eight years old may require two doses of influenza vaccine to be fully protected. Ask your doctor about the timing of these doses. People should start getting vaccinated as soon as the flu vaccine is available to protect as many people as possible.
If you are wondering when you should get a flu shot, the answer is now. The season usually extends from October to May, with a peak between December and February. Since it takes two weeks for the vaccine to protect the patient, the time is running out to make it disappear by December.
In addition, take preventive measures on a daily basis:
1. Stay at home when you are sick. If you or your child is sick, stay home at least 24 hours after the fever starts, except for medical attention or other necessities. The fever should be gone without the use of a fever reducing medication.
2. Avoid close contact with sick people.
3. Cover yourself with coughing and sneezing. Teach the children so early.
4. Wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
5. Clean surfaces and objects frequently.
6. Be prepared and informed.
As most people know, even if you are vaccinated, you can still get the flu. If you have been exposed before your shot or have been in contact with a virus not targeted by the vaccine, you may still have symptoms.
If you fall ill, you will receive treatment after the fact. Antiviral drugs can alleviate your illness and make you feel better faster. They can also prevent serious complications related to the flu, such as pneumonia. Because people 65 years of age and older are at high risk of serious flu-like complications, the CDC recommends that they be treated as soon as possible with antiviral flu medications because these drugs work best when they are given early.
Prevention is your best bet. This year, protect yourself and your loved ones. This will take only few minutes.
If you need a flu shot, do not hesitate to contact any of our medical clinics. You can reach them at the numbers below:
• Blue Springs Internal Medicine, 816-228-9841
• Family Medical Associates, 816-228-1000
• Oak Grove Medical Clinic, 816-690-6566
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