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Posts Tagged as seasonal flu
Posted November 15, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
We all know that cigarettes and other tobacco products are bad for us. So it’s no surprise that the flu and smoking don’t mix. Here’s why…
Your respiratory system (nasal passage, throat, and lungs) are covered with mucosa, which is a soft tissue that secretes mucus. Mucus is full of antibodies and immune cells that help kill viruses and bacteria. In addition to mucosa, your respiratory system is also lined with millions of hair-like projections called cilia, which are constantly pushing germs out of the body, through the mouth.2
Inhaling tobacco products, such as cigarettes, whether through first or second-hand smoke, destroys both of these germ-fighters, greatly harming one’s immune system. Smoking is related to many respiratory health problems, including chronic coughing, wheezing, bronchitis, and emphysema. Furthermore, smokers have a greater chance of developing both upper and lower respiratory infections.2
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smokers face a higher risk of death from influenza than non-smokers. Some studies also show an increased risk of influenza-related infection compared to non-smokers.2
The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of six months receive the vaccine for flu this season. For the above mentioned reasons, this is particularly important for smokers and those who are exposed to second-hand smoke. In addition to getting a flu vaccine, smokers between the ages of 19 and 64 are also urged to receive the pneumonia vaccine by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).3
To locate a flu shot clinic near you, go to info.findaflushot.com.
Source
1PubMed.gov
2 CDC
3 ACIP
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 1, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Press Releases
SEASONAL FLU CLINICS OPEN NATIONWIDE TODAY
Maxim Health Systems Offers More Than 25,000 Flu Shot Clinics Nationwide
October 1, 2010 –Maxim Health Systems (MHS) announced today that its more than 25,000 flu shot clinics nationwide are open. Maxim’s flu vaccine program provides flu shot clinics at convenient retail locations, such as pharmacies, supermarkets, and other public venues.
“Flu season is here and the CDC has issued a universal recommendation that everyone over six months of age get vaccinated,” said Steve Pellito, National Director of Wellness Services for Maxim Health Systems. “Influenza is a serious and sometimes deadly illness that can be easily prevented, and we encourage everyone to protect themselves and their families this year by getting their flu shot.”
Maxim Health System’s Web site, www.findaflushot.com, offers an online clinic locator tool to help users quickly locate nearby flu shot clinics based on their local zip code. The site will provide the address, driving directions, dates, and times for flu shots at local clinics. The clinic locator is also available on mobile devices at m.findaflushot.com. Through both the Web site and mobile devices, consumers can receive flu updates, schedule a flu shot reminder, and read a blog to follow flu news and trends as they happen. Consumers can also find a convenient clinic location over the phone at 877-962-9358.
“Too often we see individuals skip their flu shot altogether due to the fear of contracting the flu from the vaccine or the common misconception that the flu is no worse than a common cold,” said Dr. W. John Langley, Chief Medical Officer at Maxim Healthcare Services. “You cannot contract influenza from the flu shot. Getting vaccinated is quick and painless, and it is also the safest and most effective way to prevent the flu and to keep you and your loved ones from getting sick.”
Any participant with Medicare Part B coverage as their primary medical insurance will receive their shot with no co-pay. Some insurances are also accepted, in addition to cash or check. Maxim provides flu vaccines to children ages four and older, unless restricted by state regulation or law.
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 August 24, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, H1N1 (Swine Flu), Risk/Priority Groups
Last flu season, the H1N1 virus, more commonly known as Swine flu, became the first global influenza pandemic in more than 40 years. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the pandemic over, H1N1 remains a threat this flu season and the CDC says that “it is likely that 2009 H1N1 viruses will continue to spread along with seasonal viruses in the U.S. during the 2010-2011 flu season.” (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/1011season.htm)
Last year the H1N1 virus “resulted in substantial illness, hospitalizations and deaths,” according to the CDC. While the virus is not expected to be as widespread as last season, it remains one of the strains likely to infect individuals this season. Like other years, the best way to protect yourself from flu is through a flu shot. And while last year the H1N1 vaccine was a separate vaccination from the annual seasonal flu vaccine, this year, protection against last year’s H1N1 virus is included in the seasonal flu vaccine.
The CDC has also expanded its recommendations for who should get vaccinated. The CDC now recommends that everyone six months and older get a 2010-2011 flu vaccine to protect themselves against influenza. While people age 50 and older remain a high risk group for seasonal influenza, the H1N1 virus disproportionately affected younger patients in the 2009-2010 influenza season. In fact, the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from July 30 states that “279 laboratory-confirmed, influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported, nearly four times the average reported in the previous five influenza seasons.”
Learn more about seasonal flu and H1N1
Use findaflushot.com’s resource center to learn more about the differences between seasonal flu and H1N1 and find out more information about flu and flu vaccines by reading through these frequently asked questions. Please consult the CDC Web site for additional information on who should be vaccinated and be sure to speak to your health care provider before any vaccinations.
Schedule a flu shot reminder
Need a reminder to get a flu shot? Sign up for a flu shot reminder and receive an e-mail in your inbox reminding you to get vaccinated. Also, check back on findaflushot.com on September 1 to search for flu vaccine clinics in your area for the 2010-2011 season.