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Posts Tagged as Flu Shots
Posted November 9, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, H1N1 (Swine Flu), Risk/Priority Groups
As the country heads into the height of flu season, many people simply feel that getting the flu “can’t happen to me.” In fact, we recently blogged that a recent study found that a whopping 43 percent of Americans do not plan on getting their flu vaccine this season. This is a staggering figure considering the amount of personal stories from people across the country that developed influenza and serious flu-related complications.
Just ask Luke Duvall, a healthy and athletic 15-year-old who nearly lost his life after being diagnosed with H1N1 last year. Luke is now a spokesperson for Every Child By Two, which raises awareness about the importance of the influenza vaccine. Luke’s story recently appeared in the LA Times, and while he has made a full recovery from his battle with H1N1, he wonders how different things would have been for him if he had received his flu vaccine.
Read Luke’s personal account here.
Remember: the single best way to prevent getting the flu is by getting your flu shot. It is not too late to get vaccinated and be protected before the height of flu season begins. There are hundreds of flu clinics across the country and in your area. Find a flu shot clinic in your area today!
Posted November 5, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
As flu activity picks up, the theme this week seemed to focus on the extensive reasons to get a flu shot, with headlines ranging from the abundance of flu vaccine this year to why expectant mothers need to get their flu shots to staying healthy for the holidays. One thing is for sure, this is a great time to pay a visit to your local flu shot clinic before the season fully gets underway.
Below are just a few examples of how the flu is making headlines across the nation…
1) “Flu vaccine widely available” Democrat and Chronicle (NY) (October 28, 2010) – “Flu vaccine is widely available at public clinics, doctor’s offices and pharmacies, but the cost may vary depending on where you go. Insurance plans may only cover vaccinations from certain places, so check with your insurer or check the website of the clinic provider… Monroe County: More than 150 walk-in flu clinics have already been held and about three dozen flu clinics remain from today through Nov. 20, offered by Flu Prevention Partners, Independent Nursing Care, Maxim Health Systems and University of Rochester Medical Center. For a recorded list, call (585) 753-5600, or go to www.monroecounty.gov/health-flu.” Continue reading…
2) “Exercise helps fend off colds and flu” KJRH (OK) (November 1, 2010) – “Remember the old saying, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Here’s a modern twist: “A bit of exercise every day may keep the doctor away.’ Researchers from Appalachian State found the more physically active people were — the fewer colds they got during the fall and winter months. And when they did get colds — their symptoms were less severe than more sedentary people. Doctors say bouts of exercise can temporarily increase the immune system’s response to potential viral invaders in the body. The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.” Continue reading…
3) “Expectant moms’ flu shots protect newborns” KING5 (WA) (October 30, 2010) – “After her newborn’s pediatric visit, new mom Jennifer made one more stop, to Seattle Children’s flu vaccine clinic. ‘I came to get my flu vaccine so that hopefully I don’t get the flu and don’t share it with her,’ she said. At just 11 weeks old, baby Minnie can’t get a flu shot. Research shows the vaccine isn’t effective for babies under six months of age. It can be a risky interval explains Seattle Children’s pediatrician Dr. Danielle Zerr. ‘When babies get the flu they can develop high fever. They can develop a respiratory infection or an infection in their lungs that makes it difficult for them to breathe,’ she said. Dr. Zerr is an associate professor of pediatrics at Seattle Children’s. She said a new study suggests there’s a way moms can lower influenza’s toll on babies – by getting the shots before they’re even born.” Continue reading…
4) “Your head says cold, but your body screams influenza” Columbus Dispatch (OH) (October 31, 2010) – “It’s that time of year, and you’re sick. So, is it a cold or flu? Sure, they have some things in common. Both are caused by viruses, circulate mostly in the winter months and shouldn’t be treated with antibiotics. But there are also some pretty big differences. If you’re tempted to compare your suffering to that of a person run over by a large vehicle, it’s probably the flu. Either that, or you’re a bit of a drama queen. Flu knocks out the most stalwart, sending them to bed wishing their mommy would press a cool washcloth to their forehead.” Continue reading…
5) “Jon Law: Get flu vaccine now and enjoy holidays” El Paso Times (TX) (November 1, 2010) – “Autumn, my favorite season, is now in full swing. Cooler weather and UTEP football games are welcome reminders that the holiday season is coming soon. While we’re a long distance from New England’s illustrious fall foliage, a few of our local tree leaves are even turning yellow, orange and brown. And, it’s also the time for an important, but less glorious, ritual — the annual flu vaccine.” Continue reading…
For information about local flu clinics and flu news and resources, please visit info.findaflushot.com.
Remind family and friends to get their flu shots too by sending them a Free E-Card.
Posted November 4, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
Many associate the flu with winter, and while it’s true, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),that flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States in January or February[i], the country is already starting to see confirmed flu outbreaks, and in certain cases, death.
Last week we posted about the lack of motivation some have to get vaccinated this flu season now that the attention to H1N1 that gripped last year’s flu season has waned. Many people are simply unmotivated to get the vaccine this year because the perception is that this season will be much milder. However, that perception does not lessen the risks of not getting vaccinated. Last week alone there were at least two confirmed cases of people being hospitalized because of the flu, and in one case a flu-related death. Below are a couple examples of recent flu activity across the country:
- In Oklahoma, a resident died of influenza between October 3 and October 10 according to the state Health Department’s Web site. Also, since September 1, nine residents have been hospitalized with the flu.[ii]
- In Michigan, the first two flu cases were confirmed in Oakland County, this according to the Michigan Department of Community Health.[iii]
In addition to these confirmed cases, the CDC came out with their first weekly flu activity report of the year. According to FluView, a weekly influenza surveillance report from the CDC, during the week of October 17-23 influenza activity remained low in the United States, making it a great time to get a flu shot.
Last week’s confirmed cases are a testament to the fact that the height of flu season is approaching and that the best defense against the flu is to get a flu shot.
Hundreds of flu shot clinics are conveniently located throughout the country. Use our clinic search to find a flu shot clinic near you and get your flu shot to protect yourself and your family this flu season.
[i] http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/25/AR2010102503343.html
[ii] http://newsok.com/flu-death-adds-to-oklahomas-health-concerns/article/3508032
[iii] http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=13371552
Posted October 29, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Press Releases, Risk/Priority Groups
As you’re stocking up on candy for Trick or Treaters and hunting for the perfect Halloween costume this weekend, remember to pay a visit to your local flu shot clinic on your way home! Without the H1N1 hysteria that gripped last year’s flu season, many people are simply unmotivated to get the vaccine this year, thinking that this season will be much milder. Unfortunately, that is the type of thinking that could put a population most at risk for developing influenza and serious flu-related complications. Many states are already experiencing this. Michigan reported their first flu cases of the season this week while Oklahoma reported its first flu-related death of the season.
Below are just a few examples of how the flu is making headlines across the nation…
1) “Flu death adds to Oklahoma’s health concerns” NewsOK (OK) (October 26, 2010) – “Flu has killed the first Oklahoman this season, while strep throat, colds and salmonella have joined the threat to the state. An Oklahoma resident died of influenza between Oct. 3 and Oct. 10, according to the state Health Department’s website. Since Sept. 1, nine residents have been hospitalized with the flu.”
http://newsok.com/flu-death-adds-to-oklahomas-health-concerns/article/3508032
2) “Consumer Reports: Adults can benefit from flu, shingles, pneumonia vaccines” Washington Post (DC) (October 25, 2010) – “More important, research conducted during and after last fall’s flu season suggests that the vaccine is quite safe and effective. And this year the advice is simpler because a single vaccine should protect against both the H1N1 and regular seasonal flu strains; this means that people need only one shot or nasal dose. While the vaccine became available weeks ago, it’s still not too late to get a dose: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States in January or February… Despite all the confusion last year, the percentage of people getting the flu vaccine actually increased. And the simplified vaccine regimen should make it easier for people to get vaccinated this coming flu season. Instead of one vaccine targeted mainly to younger and middle-aged people (who are at most risk from the H1N1 virus) and another mainly to older people (who are most vulnerable to other flu strains), this year there will be just one vaccine for almost everyone older than 6 months. Still, the public has very mixed views about the vaccine.”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/25/AR2010102503343.html
3) “Fewer people getting flu shots this year” KABC (CA) (October 28, 2010) – “The number of people getting flu vaccinations this year is way down, especially from last year. Infectious disease experts say this could be a recipe for trouble. It’s stressful being the primary caregiver for your elderly mom, that’s why 60-year-old Gwen MacDonald says getting sick is out of the question. ‘I can’t afford to be sick and possibly infect my mother,’ said MacDonald. But from the looks of a local flu clinic at Kaiser Permanente Panorama City, not too many people are thinking like MacDonald. ‘We are seeing a major drop off in enthusiasm among our patients,’ said Dr. Stanley Shapiro. Kaiser doctors say the number of people getting flu shots is way down from last year. Infectious disease experts say it appears people are suffering from what can be called ‘flu fatigue.’”
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/health/your_health&id=7752331
4) “People arm themselves from the flu” WWLP (MA) (October 24, 2010) – “One by one, people wanting to protect themselves from the seasonal flu piled into the Holy Name Social Center in Springfield Sunday. Katie Tivnan admits she only started arming herself against the virus when she learned she was expecting. ‘I decided to get it again this year because now instead of being pregnant I have a 10 month and certainly I don’t want to get him sick,’ said Tivnan, Springfield.
Right now, there’s no sign of a replay of the H1N1 pandemic that played out a couple years ago, but the Deputy Director of Springfield’s Health and Human Services, Bettye Frederic, says there are signs flu season has arrived.”
http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/People-arm–themselves-from-the-flu
5) “First Flu Cases Confirmed” WLNS (MI) (October 22, 2010) – “The first two flu cases of the season in Michigan have been confirmed. The Michigan Department of Community Health says an adult male and an adult female both had influenza. The two cases were in Oakland County. According to the MDCH one of the viruses was confirmed as a 2009 influenza A/H1N1 subtype. But at this time they say it is too early to determine which influenza viruses will circulate and how severe the season may be.”
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=13371552
Posted October 26, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Pediatric, Risk/Priority Groups
As parents, teachers, and most adults know, children have a way of picking up colds and other illnesses at school. As flu season approaches, it becomes even more important to teach kids how to stay healthy. While the number one way to prevent the flu is to make sure your child gets his or her flu shot, proper and consistent hand washing is one of the easiest ways to also help prevent the spread of influenza. Kids don’t always listen when you tell them to wash their hands, but it’s a message worth repeating. When your children come into contact with germs or viruses such as the flu, they can unknowingly become infected simply by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Once infected, it is usually only a matter of time before the whole family gets sick as well.
Germs can be spread or transmitted in many ways, including:
- touching dirty hands or contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs, desks, or books
- sharing objects such as utensils, cups, or bottles
- through droplets released during a cough or a sneeze
- through contact with a sick person’s body fluids
Teach Good Health Habits
To minimize the germs passed around your family, and to protect yourself from the flu this season, make frequent hand washing a rule for everyone, especially:
- before eating
- after using the bathroom
- after cleaning the house
- after touching animals, including family pets
- before and after visiting any sick friends or relatives
- after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- after being outside (playing, walking the dog, etc.)
You can even show your children how to get rid of germs by taking these steps when washing your hands together so they learn how important this good habit is:
- Wet hands with warm water and apply soap, making sure the water isn’t too hot for little hands.
- Rub hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands and giving extra attention to under the fingernails and between the fingers where uninvited germs like to hang out. (For younger children who may rush hand washing, have them sing a short song such as “Row, Row, Row, Your Boat,” or “Happy Birthday”, which will ensure they wash for at least 20 seconds.)
- Rinse hands with water.
- Dry thoroughly with a clean, disposable towel.
- Use towel to turn off faucet.
Educational Tools
Parents can reinforce their children’s hand-washing habits by using tools such as The Scrub Club®. The Scrub Club® is a collaborative effort between the American Red Cross and NSF International (NSF) to help protect public health by teaching children the importance of proper and consistent hand washing to help fight germs and prevent illnesses like the flu. The interactive Web site offers free educational materials, music, games, and cartoon “Webisodes” to help raise awareness about the benefits of hand washing.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that everyone receive their flu shot this year as the best way to prevent the flu, it is important not to underestimate the power of hand washing in helping to stop the spread of influenza. Make it a fun experience for your kids. The few seconds you spend at the kitchen or bathroom sink could save you trips to the doctor’s office this flu season.
To find a flu shot clinic near you or to learn more about how you can protect yourself and your family this flu season, visit info.findaflushot.com.
Sources used:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/hand_washing.html#
http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.1a019a978f421296e81ec89e43181aa0/?vgnextoid=14a9a8ebaa3f0210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD
http://www.henrythehand.com/
Posted October 22, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
Bloomberg Businessweek reported recently on a survey released by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) that found 43 percent of Americans do NOT plan to get vaccinated against flu this year, a startling number considering the focus H1N1 put on the flu virus last season.
The NFID also asked those surveyed why they planned to skip vaccination. Many of the reasons given included common myths about the flu and the flu vaccine. While reasons for skipping vaccinations range from misconceptions about transmission to taking flu lightly, one thing remains true: influenza is more than an inconvenience. It is a serious illness that can cause weeks of sickness or even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu-related complications each year. That’s an average of one person almost every 2 ½ minutes!
We took a look at some of the reasons people gave for skipping flu shots this season and sorted through some of the fact and fiction of flu. Below are some of the most common myths that people use as reasons for not getting a flu shot.
Myth: The flu shot can give you the flu
Of the people in the NFID survey who said they did not plan to get a flu shot this year, 62 percent said that a reason for not getting the shot was because the vaccine could give you the flu or because of a concern about side effects. The fact is the flu vaccine can’t give you flu. The injectable flu vaccine contains killed influenza viruses and side effects typically include soreness where the flu shot was given and sometimes aches or a low-grade fever.1 The CDC has a great informational page with key facts about the flu shot that gives details about vaccination and dispels some of the myths.
Myth: There are other ways to protect yourself
Many people in the NFID survey said that they don’t plan to get the flu shot because there are other ways they can protect themselves. But unless you plan to live in isolation for the duration of flu season, nothing will be more effective in influenza prevention than a flu vaccine. Thirty-four percent in the survey thought that hand-washing was as effective as the vaccine in preventing influenza. While hand washing is an important part of protection, it is only a part of the bigger picture. The CDC says that vaccination is the single best way to protect you and your family against flu. Keep in mind, just because you washed your hands doesn’t mean that a person with flu didn’t just touch that door knob you were using. And teaching your children to wash their hands doesn’t mean that they won’t be exposed to germs while at school or on the playground.
Myth: I’m healthy
The survey from NFID found that 69 percent of people who were not planning to get a flu shot held the belief that they are healthy and the flu doesn’t worry them. While it is true that there are groups of people at higher risks for complications from flu, the flu doesn’t discriminate and can impact both the frail and healthy in severe ways. For example, last year the H1N1 virus disproportionately impacted otherwise healthy children and almost 90 percent of deaths occurred in people under the age of 65. 2 Also, keep in mind that the flu shot doesn’t just protect you, but your loved ones, too. If you are around children, the elderly, or people who are in a high-risk group you getting vaccinated means that you are at a lower risk of passing on the flu virus to them.
Myth: The vaccine protects against just one strain of flu so it won’t be effective
Some people think that the flu vaccine protects against just one strain of the flu virus. The fact is, the flu vaccine contains protection against three different strains of influenza. This year, one of the strains the vaccine protects you against is H1N1. The process for deciding what strains go into the flu vaccine involves year-round surveillance and reporting from 101 countries to determine what strains are most likely to take hold each flu season. Based on that research, researchers in the United States determine which strains should be included in the vaccine distributed to the United States population.3 The CDC has already reported lab confirmed influenza cases in the United States for each of the three strains included in this years seasonal influenza vaccine.
Myth: Getting the flu shot takes too much time
Another excuse a lot of people give for not getting vaccinated is time. But time is no longer an excuse with thousands of flu clinics all over the country in convenient locations. People can now get their flu shots while grocery shopping, while at the mall, or in a variety of other convenient locations. Use our flu locator tool to find a clinic near you. When you find a clinic you can even sign up for a text message or e-mail reminder so you are reminded as your local flu clinic approaches.
By the way, one person that is probably getting vaccinated this year? Your doctor. A NFID survey of 400 physicians from September found that more than 90 percent are getting vaccinated this year and most recommend their families get vaccinated, too. As always, any health decisions should be discussed with a trusted physician, so if you still have questions about flu and how it applies to you, be sure to talk to your doctor about the best ways to protect yourself this flu season.
1- http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/disease.htm
2- http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm#howserious
3- http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/1011_vac_selection.htm
Posted October 14, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Press Releases
FLU CLINICS GO SOCIAL
Maxim Health Systems Puts Power in the Hands of Consumers Online
COLUMBIA, MD – October 14, 2010 – Maxim Health Systems, a division of Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc., has created several online tools to educate the public on flu season. These resources, including the Flu Blog, the Online Flu Shot Locator Widget, Flu Shot E-mail and Text Message Reminders, and Flu Shot Reminder E-Cards, were developed to help remind and empower the public to make healthy and informed choices during the 2010 flu season.
“Vaccination is an important part of staying healthy during flu season,” said Steve Pellito, Director of Wellness at Maxim Health Systems. “When it comes to their health, patients deserve accurate and easily accessible information. It is our goal to help the public to better navigate this year’s flu season with the tools we have developed.”
The Pew Internet & American Life Project reported that eight in ten internet users have searched online for health information. In addition, many patients have stated that the internet has had a significant impact on the way they care for themselves or for others.
Responding to this need, Maxim Health Systems launched new tools to empower the public, in conjunction with healthcare professionals, to more effectively manage their health during flu season.
The Full List of Online Social Tools from Maxim Health Systems:
Text Message Reminders
Once users have searched for and found a clinic in their area, they can schedule a text message reminder by clicking “Remind Me Via Text” and entering their phone number and mobile carrier. A text message alert will be sent the morning of the clinic containing the location, address, and time of the clinic that was requested. Text messaging and data rates may apply.
Flu Shot E-mail Reminders
This resource allows users to search for a clinic and then request a reminder by e-mail. After searching for clinics in their area, users can schedule an e-mail reminder by clicking “Remind Me Via E-mail” and entering their name and e-mail address. An e-mail with all clinic information will be sent the day before the clinic.
Online Flu Shot Locator Widget
Maxim Health Systems has created a widget that allows all Web site and blog owners to install an online flu shot locator on their own sites. The widget code is located on Maxim’s microsite (info.findaflushot.com). If you download the widget to your site, you can share flu clinic information and flu news with your own Web site visitors.
Flu Shot Reminder E-Cards
Reminding friends and loved ones to get vaccinated this season is easy, with virtual cards from Maxim Health Systems. To get started just choose an image, fill out the form, and send!
Flu Blog
Hosted by the Maxim Health Systems’ Flu Resource Center, the Flu Blog provides regular updates on flu-related topics including the benefits of flu vaccination and tips for minimizing flu exposure for seniors, families, and students returning to school. Also, subscribe to the blog via RSS.
About Maxim Health Systems
Maxim Health Systems is a division of Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc. Established in 1996, Maxim Health Systems offers a full line of comprehensive wellness services to Corporate and retail clients, in addition to schools, senior living facilities, and physician offices. We provide a variety of services including immunization programs, health screenings and health fairs. Our flu vaccine program has administered more than 12 million immunizations in the last four years alone. Together with Maxim Healthcare Services, we have branch locations in most metropolitan areas across the nation. For more information contact us at www.findaflushot.com/contact.php. Follow Maxim Healthcare Services on Twitter at @findaflushot.
Posted October 12, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
As we head into this flu season, it becomes all the more important to keep in mind the risk factors we carry that make us more susceptible to the flu. Many of us have heard about the commonly known conditions that put someone at a higher risk for developing complications from the flu, such as diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy. But there‘s another one out there that many people may not realize: obesity.
Not only does obesity make people more likely to develop heart problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain cancers, one survey also indicates that there may be a connection between obesity and flu severity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who are considered morbidly obese (Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 40 or greater), are more likely to get complications from the flu that result in being hospitalized and occasionally result in death. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections are examples of flu-related complications.
The most recent statistics about obesity are quite alarming and point out that 33 percent of the U.S. population is obese. Research has also shown that as weight increases to reach levels referred to as “overweight” and “obese,” the risks for conditions like coronary heart disease, sleep apnea, respiratory disorders, and type 2 diabetes also increases.[i] The flu can also make these chronic health problems worse. Taking this into account along with all other subsets of the population that are at a higher risk of getting complications from the flu, it becomes more and more apparent how important it is for people to be proactive in getting their flu shot.
Not sure where to get a flu shot? Use our flu shot locator to find flu shot clinics in your area.
1NIH, NHLBI Obesity Education Initiative. Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. Available online:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/ob_gdlns.pdf (PDF-1.25Mb)
Posted October 11, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
After a long hot summer, fall is here. And the fall/winter season also means cold and flu season
In 2009, with the emergence of the first global influenza pandemic in more than 40 years, organizations and businesses were preparing for the worst, fearing the possibility of widespread illness, substantial absenteeism, and other business disruptions. Compared to last year, the current media hype surrounding the flu seems relatively non-existent. But don’t let that deceive you as we head into this flu season. Now is not the time to let down your guard, either personally or professionally.
Despite the fact that the peak of flu season does not typically occur until January or February, and the uncertainties around how bad this flu season will be, we do know one thing for sure- that the flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and those around you. According to a recent post by Dr. Paul Biddinger* on the Harvard Business Review’s “Your Health at Work” blog, getting your shot is the most important thing you can do for yourself, your co-workers, family, and friends. This is because it is possible to transmit the flu for one or two days before you actually start feeling sick, and therefore the time you could unknowingly spread the virus to those around you. It is best to get your flu shot earlier rather than later because your body needs time to develop antibodies in preparation for the peak season, as well as your best protection against an early arrival of flu season. As of October 7th, 2010 the CDC has lab confirmed cases of influenza from each of the three strains included in the seasonal flu vaccine.
The more people who get vaccinated the better it is for your family, workplace, and community. Many companies offer employee vaccination programs, making it easy for you to conveniently receive your flu shot right at work. If your company doesn’t have an employee vaccination program, urge your employer to get one to make it easier for you and your coworkers to get the flu shot. (This video and this article could help you in giving them the 411 on Flu in the Workplace.) Remember, it isn’t good for you, your co-workers, or your employer if you are going to work sick.
So as you get ready for the fall season, remember —one simple flu shot will give you the best possible protection against the flu. Get yours today-find a convenient location now at www.findaflushot.com.
* Dr. Paul D. Biddinger, a practicing emergency physician, is the Associate Director of the Center for Public Health Preparedness at the Harvard School of Public Health and the Medical Director for Emergency Preparedness at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Posted October 7, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
October is recognized annually as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the month, national public service organizations such as The American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® work tirelessly to promote information on breast cancer awareness and prevention.
October also marks the time of year when influenza starts to become active and is the best time for people to receive their influenza vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age six months and older receives a flu shot, especially people that are at high risk of developing flu-related complications. This includes people who have immune system problems caused either by disease (e.g. breast cancer or lymphoma) or by medication (e.g., chemotherapy or radiation therapy)[1]
What else is important for cancer patients and survivors to know about the flu this season? Below is valuable information from The American Cancer Society specific to cancer patients and the flu.
- First, and perhaps the most sobering, is that both cancer patients and survivors are more likely to have serious problems from the flu, resulting in hospitalization or even death. While no one knows for sure if cancer patients and survivors are at greater risk for being infected with either H1N1 or seasonal flu, they are at higher risk for having serious problems from the flu. Therefore, even if cancer patients are at the same risk of getting the flu, once they contract either type of flu, they are at higher risk of complications.
- Second, if you or a loved one has had cancer in the past, there is a greater risk for having serious complications from the flu, even if you are now cancer-free.
- Third, the flu shot is recommended for most people with cancer. However, many people with cancer worry that the vaccine will make them sick or cause a reaction with other medicines they are taking. Talk to your doctor about this — he or she knows your situation best and can tell you if you should get the shot and when is the best time to get it.
- Finally, people with cancer should get the injectable flu shot and not the nasal spray vaccine. The flu shot is made from dead or inactive viruses, so it cannot make you sick. [2] The nasal spray vaccine is made from a live attenuated virus, and is currently not advised for high risk individuals.
To find a location near you that is offering flu shots, visit info.findaflushot.com.
Don’t forget to remind your friends and loved ones to get their flu vaccine this season. Send them a virtual card to remind them to get a flu shot.
Maxim Health Systems also provides frequent flu updates. Stay current by reading our blog or subscribing to our RSS feed.
[1] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm
[2] http://info.findaflushot.com/blog/this-years-flu-shot-composed-of-multiple-strains-as-always