Gila County Office of Health Seasonal Influenza (flu) The Office of Health will be providing flu vaccine clinics for the 2009-10 flu season. We will be providing seasonal flu vaccine clinics in the Communities and Schools. The locations, dates and times will be posted on this website. Keep checking this website for updates and clinic schedules. Influenza (flu) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that is caused by the influenza virus. The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. Side effects can be associated with the flu shot. Good health habits can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. Most healthy people recover from the flu without complications. For more information regarding the flu, including the H1N1 for people with certain medical conditions, click here . H1N1 Flu: For more information on the H1N1 virus and the vaccine, click here. “What is Influenza” Most people with the flu are sick for about a week, but then feel better. However, some people (especially young children, pregnant women, older people, and people with chronic health problems) can get very sick and some can die. Every year in the United States, on average, 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications; and about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. How do you know if you have the flu or a common cold? Learn the differences by clicking on “Is it a Cold or the Flu?” at the right side of the screen. This document lists symptoms of both the flu and colds. Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with the flu. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. There is a new and very different flu virus called H1N1 flu. This virus may cause more illness or more severe illness than is usual. To learn about the H1N1 flu, go to our webpage for H1N1 flu. The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. There are two types of vaccines for the flu- the flu shot and the nasal-spray flu vaccine. The Office of Health carries the “flu shot”, which is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions. About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Yearly flu vaccination begins in September or as soon as vaccine is available and continues throughout the influenza season, into December, January, and beyond. While influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later. In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended by ACIP that certain people should get vaccinated each year. For more information click on “Who Should Get Vaccinated” on the right side of your screen. Some people should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. To see who should seek medical advice before receiving the flu shot, click on “Who Should Not Be Vaccinated” For more information of the seasonal flu shot, click on VISon the right side of your screen for the Vaccination Information Statement. “Who Should Get Vaccinated for Seasonal Flu” In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended by ACIP that certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications People who should get vaccinated each year are: 1. People at high risk for complications from the flu, including: - Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years of age and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, and
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
2. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including: - Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications (see above)
- Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age. (These children are too young to be vaccinated)
- Health Care Workers
3. Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday. “Who Should Not Be Vaccinated” There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. These include:
- People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
- People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination
- People who have developed Guillain-Barre’ syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine. (click here for more information)
- Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group)
- People who have a moderate to severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.
“What to Expect” The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effect that could occur are:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
- Fever (low grade)
- Aches
If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days. Almost all people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it. However, on rare occasions, the flu shot can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. |