Local medical officials are preparing for the upcoming flu season with a new universal vaccine designed to protect against three different common flu strains.
“Unlike last year, when we had to get two shots to make sure everyone was covered for the regular flu and H1N1, this year’s vaccine has combined all of them,” said Melinda Joyce, corporate director of pharmacy at The Medical Center.
While past flu vaccines have been strongly suggested to certain populations – including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses and the elderly, who are at high risk for complications of the flu – this year’s vaccine is being recommended for anyone ages 6 months and older.
“Children who have never received the vaccine need two doses at least 28 days apart,” said Teresa Casey, nurse program manager for the Communicable Disease Team at the Barren River District Health Department. “Infants younger than 6 months old can’t get the shot, so it’s important that people with children get vaccinated so they won’t pass anything to them.”
People ages 65 and older might be able to get a higher dose of vaccination, said Jennifer Hunt, director of infection prevention at Greenview Regional Hospital.
“They are among a higher risk group of people who die from complications of the flu. A study shows they benefit from it because it gives four times immunity,” she said. “The other (vaccine) doesn’t give as much coverage. They should talk to their health care providers.”
A few people need to be careful about getting the flu vaccine, including those who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, anyone who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome from a previous flu vaccine and children under 6 months old, Joyce said. She has also been asked if a person should receive the vaccine if they have a fever.
“Most of the time if someone is running a fever and have other moderate to severe symptoms, they need to wait until the fever is gone,” she said. “Sometimes the fever itself can cause the flu vaccine to not be as effective.”
People can’t catch the flu from the injectable vaccine, Hunt said.
“Keep in mind that once you get the vaccine, it takes two weeks to build up immunity,” she said. “If you come in contact with someone with flu, you can still catch it.”
Medical officials have received calls about vaccine availability and don’t anticipate a shortage this year.
“We are starting to get vaccine in our eight local health departments,” Casey said. “We’re planning for early October flu clinics.”
Some places are already giving the vaccines, but Hunt cautions people to consider the timing of flu season, which is from November through May.
“You want the vaccine to protect you during the flu season,” she said. “If you get it too early, it may not protect you throughout the entire six months.”
Besides getting the vaccines, CDC and the local officials are urging people to protect themselves and others from the flu by stopping germs and using antiviral drugs.
“Influenza is a virus and not bacteria,” Hunt said. “Don’t ask for an antibiotic because they only work on bacteria.”
Covering coughs and sneezes and proper handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol cleanser is a must, Hunt said.
“Wash your hands for 15 to 20 seconds with soap and water, and try to remember not to touch the faucets after your hands are clean,” she said. “Turn them off with a paper towel or your elbow. You may come in contact with the same organisms you just flushed down the sink.”
Rest is also important, Casey said.
“If you’re sick, stay home,” she said. “If your kids are sick, keep them at home.”
— For more information about flu vaccines, contact your health care provider or pharmacy or visit the CDC website at www.flu.gov.
Symptoms of flu
According to the Centers for Disease Control, flu is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and death. Flu-like symptoms include:
•fever
•cough
•sore throat
•runny or stuffy nose
•body aches
•headache
•chills
•fatigue
•Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without the fever.
