Flu Vaccine: Just the jab for those at risk

Written by:  Kelli Koch
Marketing/Communication Specialist
Southeastern Med
kjkoch@seormc.org

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio, Oct. 4, 2011 – As flu season begins, Southeastern Med encourages everyone who is eligible for the flu vaccine to protect themselves from the virus as early as possible.

Although the most infections typically occur in January and February, flu season runs from October through May — so it’s smart to get vaccinated early in order to stay healthy this fall.

Influenza is a serious viral respiratory illness spread from person to person in secretions of the nose and lungs, for example when sneezing. Respiratory infections caused by other viruses often are called flu, but this is incorrect. Whereas with other viral respiratory infections the symptoms usually are mild and most people can continue working or going to school while ill, with the flu, the symptoms are severe and prolonged and cause individuals to miss days of work or school. Influenza usually causes a fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit; aching muscles, especially in your back, arms and legs; chills and sweats; headache; dry cough; fatigue and weakness; and nasal congestion.

“The benefits of getting a flu shot far outweigh the risks related to the vaccine,” said Cathy McIntire, RN, CNOR, director of Infection Prevention at Southeastern Med.

“The vaccine will keep you and your family from a lot of aggravation and prevent serious complications. Everyone has to choose if the vaccine is right for themselves or their children. Before you decide if the vaccine is right for you or your children, I caution people to read from expert resources and to not believe everything they read on the internet or hear at the supermarket about the flu vaccine.”

When to Get Vaccinated

The CDC recommends everyone get a seasonal flu vaccine at the beginning of the flu season, which can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Vaccination before December is best since this timing ensures that protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is typically at its highest.

The vaccine is available primarily in two forms — an inactivated vaccine delivered as a shot injected with a needle and a live, weakened vaccine delivered as a nasal spray. The nasal spray is recommended only for healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49 who are not pregnant.

It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect and lasts for about one year. Since the flu shot changes each year, it is important to get vaccinated again every fall.

Who Should Get Vaccinated

Vaccine experts recommend everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each year. While everyone should get a flu vaccine, it is particularly important for people in risk groups or with close contact with people in risk groups. Risk groups are as followed:

• Pregnant women;
• Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old;
• People 50 years of age and older;
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions;
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities; and
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including: health care workers, household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu; and household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age.

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated

Those who fall in one of the following should not get a flu vaccine 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;
• Children younger than 6 months of age; and
• People who have an illness with a fever.

Vaccine Side Effects

Different side effects can be associated with the flu shot and nasal spray. Some minor side effects that could occur include:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given;
• A low-grade fever; and
• Aches.

The viruses in the nasal spray vaccine are weakened and do not cause severe symptoms often associated with the influenza illness. Side effects from the nasal spray vaccine can include:

• Runny nose;
• Wheezing;
• Headache;
• Vomiting;
• Muscle aches;
• Fever;

• Sore throat; and
• Cough.

Other Preventative Measures

Along with the flu vaccine, the following are a few preventative measures to take during the flu season to help limit the spread of influenza:

• Wash hands frequently throughout the day;
• Cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing; and
• Maintain distance from those infected with the flu.

“It is extremely important to always be vigilant about hand washing and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing,” McIntire said. “To keep your immune system healthy, get enough sleep, eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, exercise regularly, and drink at least eight glasses of water a day.”

Where to Get Vaccinated

For those interested in more information about the flu vaccine, please contact your family physician or local pharmacy.