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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
Posted October 4, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
The outbreak of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, in Texas, California, and other states this year highlights the significant importance of widespread vaccination coverage. Vaccination of children and adults can prevent pertussis, and experts say that the lack of vaccine coverage among adults in the US is one of the main reasons for the upsurge of this disease over the last two years[i].
This brings up the concept of ‘herd immunity’. Herd immunity is an important part of protecting the community against illnesses such as pertussis or influenza. Infants, who are too young to be immunized against the flu or whooping cough, are at particular risk. Because vaccinated people have antibodies that neutralize a virus, they are much less likely to transmit that virus to other people. Therefore, even people who have not been vaccinated, as well as those whose vaccinations may have become weakened over time, can often be shielded from the virus by ‘herd immunity’ because vaccinated people around them are not getting sick.
Health officials recommend that parents and caretakers receive their flu vaccines and pertussis booster shots to extend their immunity to these diseases and lower the risk to infants[ii]. Herd immunity is more effective as the percentage of people vaccinated increases. It is thought that on average approximately 90 percent of the people in the community must be protected by a vaccine to achieve herd immunity[iii]. People who are not immunized increase the chance that they and others will get sick.
This flu season, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made a universal recommendation that everyone over the age of 6 months receive the seasonal flu shot. The flu vaccine is the best way to protect your family against the disease. Children less than 6 months of age are too young to be vaccinated against influenza, but they are at the greatest risk of hospitalization for it[iv]. Therefore, this year, and every year, in order to best protect yourself and those around you who are under the age of 6 months, at high risk for contracting influenza, or unable to get the vaccine, it is critical for you and any other household contacts or caregivers to get vaccinated.
Have you gotten your flu shot yet? Protect your family and everyone in your household from the flu, get your flu shot today and remind your friends to do the same!
[i] http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-09/bc-ic092810.php
[ii] http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-09/bc-ic092810.php
[iii] http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-herd-immunity.htm
[iv]http://www.preventchildhoodinfluenza.org/families/10_reasons_to_get_vaccinated_pediatric_flu_prevention.php
Posted October 1, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, H1N1 (Swine Flu)
Given the prevalence of H1N1 last season, there have been a lot of mixed messages floating around regarding the composition of this season’s flu vaccine. Here is the story: The 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine consists of protection against the H1N1 strain, plus two additional influenza strains that have been identified as the primary circulating influenza strains for this year. You can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) Web site for more detailed information on the specific strains it includes.
It’s important to know that this is not a change from previous seasons. Every year, the influenza vaccine is compromised of three strains. According to the CDC, “the viruses used in making seasonal flu vaccines are chosen each year based on information collected over the previous year about which influenza viruses are spreading and what vaccine viruses would offer the best protection against circulating viruses.”
Last year’s flu season (2009-2010) was not the norm. Because of the emergence of the new H1N1 virus, two vaccines were needed: one to prevent seasonal influenza viruses that were anticipated to spread and another to prevent influenza caused by the newly emerged 2009 H1N1 virus[i]. If the 2009 H1N1 virus had emerged sooner, it would have been included in the seasonal vaccine. That is why we saw a second flu vaccine created last year to protect against the new flu virus[ii].
The ability of the influenza virus to shift to different strains from one season to the next, or even within the course of one flu season, explains why you can potentially get the flu year after year[iii]. This is also why you hear the recommendations to get a new flu shot each year- because you could potentially be infected by a different flu strain that is unfamiliar to your immune system. This is also precisely why it is so important to get a flu shot. It gives your immune system a leg up in protecting you against these new or unfamiliar strains.
Everyone ages 6 months and older is now recommended to receive seasonal influenza vaccine, regardless of past immunization history. Even those individuals who received monovalent H1N1 in 2009 require a new 2010 seasonal influenza shot for maximum protection.
This flu season, don’t take any risks, protect yourself by getting a flu shot today!
[i] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/current-season.htm
[ii] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/current-season.htm
[iii] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/current-season.htm
Posted September 27, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Pediatric, Risk/Priority Groups
Most people would agree- the flu is not fun. Period. High fevers, chills, headaches, extreme exhaustion, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches….yes… these symptoms of the flu do not add up to a good time. They can be even more intense and dangerous to you if you are expecting this flu season.
Why is the flu more dangerous for pregnant women?
While catching the flu during pregnancy rarely causes birth defects, pregnancy puts extra stress on your heart and lungs and can also affect your immune system. These factors increase the risk not only of getting the flu but of developing serious complications from the flu, such as pneumonia and respiratory distress[i]. As a result, flu complications may lead to miscarriage, premature labor or other pregnancy complications[ii].
What’s the best way to prevent the flu during pregnancy?
To prevent the flu, get vaccinated. A flu vaccine is the number one way to prevent the flu. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but if for some reason you are not able to receive your vaccine during that time period, getting vaccinated in December is still better than not getting vaccinated at all.
Is the flu shot safe during pregnancy or if I’ve recently given birth?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Medical Association (AMA), American Nurses Association (ANA), March of Dimes, and several other professional organizations are recommending flu shots for pregnant and postpartum patients during flu season — typically November through January or even later. The only exception is pregnant women who are allergic to eggs, since egg products are used to make the vaccine. When you get your flu shot, be sure to request the injectable flu shot and not the nasal spray vaccine. The flu shot is made from an inactive virus, so it’s safe for both mother and baby. The nasal spray vaccine is made from a live attenuated virus, and is currently contraindicated for pregnant women. While the flu shot does not contain the live virus and cannot give you the flu, some women may experience fatigue and muscle aches due to their immune system responding to the vaccine. In addition, the flu shot is also safe while breastfeeding. It cannot cause you or your nursing baby to get sick.
Why should I get a flu shot?
The main reason to get your shot, as mentioned earlier, is that you don’t want to get the flu while you are pregnant as there would be a higher risk of flu complications, both for yourself and your baby. Also, by getting your flu shot, you will decrease the chances your new baby will get sick once he or she is born. This is because your baby will experience the benefits of the antibodies from the vaccine that your body creates and transfers, providing him or her with added protection from getting the flu. This is important because children under six months of age can not get a flu shot.
After all, if you don’t get your flu shot, there is a higher possibility that you can get sick with the flu and then pass the infection on to your new baby. For this same reason, everyone in your household, and anyone who may care for a newborn, should also be vaccinated. Remember that anyone over 6 months of age can get a flu shot each year. By getting vaccinated, your entire family will be able to help protect your unborn baby because he or she will be too young to receive the vaccine at birth. This works because of the concept of herd immunity. Herd immunity basically means that if most of the people you are surrounded by are immune to an infection and unable to get sick, then there are fewer people around who can infect you, making it less likely for disease to spread, even if you aren’t immune to the infection yourself[iii].
Are there any other steps I can take to avoid getting the flu?
Yes. In addition to getting the flu shot, there are several additional steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu this season. Learn how you can help stop the spread of germs.
What do I do if I think I have the flu?
If you are pregnant and experiencing flu-like symptoms, pay attention to your body. Not all over the counter cold and flu medications are safe to take during pregnancy, so before taking anything, it is best to call your health care provider right away.
How do I find a location to get my flu shot?
Visit info.findaflushot.com, enter a zip code, and receive information about clinics scheduled in your area.
[i] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/pregnant.htm
[ii] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/pregnant.htm
[iii] http://www.hhs.gov/nvpo/glossary1.htm
Posted September 21, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
Receiving a flu vaccination is recommended for everyone six months and older, particularly for seniors (65 and over), residents of nursing homes, and other high-risk groups. As we age, our ability to fight off infection, including influenza and the common cold becomes more difficult. The flu facts for this age group are alarming and should be taken very seriously. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 9 out of 10 flu-related deaths and 60 percent of flu-related hospitalizations occur within the senior population.1
So how do those who are 65 plus prevent the flu and its potentially life-threatening complications? The first step that the CDC recommends is to get a flu shot. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine contains protection against three flu strains, including the H1N1 virus.
In addition to getting a flu shot, other steps that seniors can take to prevent the flu, as well as the common cold are to practice healthy behaviors, such as:
- Frequent hand washing
- Use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when on-the-go
- Staying away from others when they are sick
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Discarding used tissues
- Avoiding touching of the eyes, nose, and mouth
- Eating balanced meals and drinking plenty of fluids
- Getting enough sleep (7-8 hours each night)
Finally, seek medical attention if you begin to notice flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, headache, sore throat, cough, runny/stuffy nose, chills, and fatigue. This is the best way to avoid further complications, such as pneumonia.
It is important to keep in mind that by getting a flu shot annually, seniors not only help to protect themselves from the flu, but also their spouses, children, and grandchildren. Stay healthy this season!
Find a flu shot location near you.
E-Mail a Virtual Card to your friends and family so that they remember to get their flu shots too.
Posted September 21, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Pediatric, Risk/Priority Groups
This flu season, many medical experts warn of flu “complacency”; health authorities are urging all to stay vigilant in receiving their flu shots.
In the wake of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, many perceive this flu season as less threatening than last year’s, however, this is simply not the case. This year, more than ever, it is important to get your flu shot for many reasons. We once again have returned to the convenience of a one-dose flu vaccine for everyone over the age of nine*, which will protect against a return of the H1N1 flu strain as well as two other flu types.
One population in particular that is considered high risk and is encouraged to get their flu shot is pregnant women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in women who are not pregnant. Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women more prone to severe illness from flu as well as hospitalizations and even death. Pregnant woman with flu also have a greater chance for serious problems for their unborn baby, including premature labor and delivery.”
The CDC, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Medical Association, and eight other medical groups all have expressed the importance of vaccination to pregnant women[i]. While many women are reluctant to take medications during their pregnancies, there are some important things to keep in mind if you are expecting this flu season[ii]:
- The flu shot is safe during all trimesters of pregnancy.
- Pregnant women should avoid the nasal spray vaccine.
- New moms that are breastfeeding can choose either the shot or nasal spray forms of the vaccine.
- The flu shot given during pregnancy has been shown to protect both the mother and her baby (up to 6 months old) from flu.
- Early treatment is important for pregnant women- If you get sick with flu-like symptoms call your doctor right away.
If you are expecting, getting your flu shot will protect your health as well as the health of your unborn baby and will even protect the baby after birth too.
Stay healthy this flu season and remind your loved ones to get vaccinated.
*Download a chart to learn dosage recommendations for children age 6 months through 8 years
[i] http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100915/ap_on_he_me/us_med_flu_pregnant_women
[ii] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/pregnant.htm
Posted September 2, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Risk/Priority Groups
If you haven’t noticed already, the messages and conversations surrounding the flu season and flu shots right now are a little bit different than they were this time last year. While last year there were global concerns about vaccine supply, the H1N1 pandemic, and who was in what priority group to receive the vaccine; this year, we are facing a slightly different scenario.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 160 million doses of seasonal flu vaccine are being produced, which is about 40 percent more than last year. Also different this year is that for the first time, the CDC is recommending universal influenza vaccination. Put simply, everyone over the age of 6 months is advised to get a flu shot, though some children between 6 months and 8 years of age may require two shots. Lastly, while we know that H1N1 is no longer a pandemic, the virus is still around and could prove to be a problem for those who have not been vaccinated this flu season.
One message that remains the same throughout the years is that the single best way to prevent influenza is to get the flu vaccine annually.
That being said, where can you get your flu shot this year?
Findaflushot.com offers a clinic locator feature that allows you to search the thousands of flu shot clinics being offered through Maxim Health Systems and their partners this flu season. Locations at which flu shots can be obtained include retail chains, such as Costco or BJ’s, local public health departments, schools, your place of employment, churches/religious organizations, and more! You can also search for clinics in your area on your mobile phone by going to m.findaflushot.com and entering your zip code.
To learn more about where to find flu shots in your area, visit info.findaflushot.com.
To receive updates and tips through e-mail on the latest flu news this flu season, sign up here.
Posted September 1, 2010 | Filed in Flu Tips, Pediatric, Risk/Priority Groups, Uncategorized
You can’t be with your kids all the time. So, as they go off to school this fall, it is important you prepare them with the knowledge of how to help protect themselves from the flu.
The Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC) is a great resource for creating talking points to chat with your kids about the upcoming flu season. Prevention is the key to helping your child stay healthy and safe during the flu season. Some tips from the CNMC include:
- Find out what they know
- Asking the question of what they know about the flu is the first step
- Explain the facts
- Explain how the flu is spread
- Explain what the flu is
- Explain where they can catch the flu
- Explain how doctors and nurses are there to help
- Talk about hygiene
- Teach your children to wash their hands using soap and water for 20 seconds or more
- Provide them with a small portable hand sanitizer and explain when to use it
- Teach your children to cough and sneeze into their elbow or tissue like Elmo
- Teach them that it is important to talk to you when they are feeling ill to help keep everyone healthy
- Talk to them about the importance of getting vaccinated
- Explain how a vaccine works
- Tell your child how millions of people get vaccinated and how it keeps everyone safe
- If your child gets sick
- It is important to explain the recovery process and how long it takes
- Tell them why you are taking their temperature and giving them medicine
Finally, the two most important tips are to stay informed and lead by example. Don’t just tell your child how to stay healthy, but show them by getting your flu shot and using the proper coughing and sneezing techniques.
about friends getting sick can be a scary time for children. Help them stay informed and let them know that chances of getting sick are minimized if you are prepared.
Posted August 24, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
With the impending flu season right around the corner, there are simple steps you can take to keep you and your family healthy this flu season. We blogged last week about high-risk groups as highlighted by the CDC, including the recommendation that everyone six months of age and older receive a flu shot for the 2010—2011 flu season. The flu shot is the most effective way to protect yourself against flu, but there are also other steps you can take in conjunction with getting vaccinated that offer additional protection against flu. To guard yourself from an unpredictable flu season, Maxim Health Systems recommends practicing these daily steps to minimize your, and your family’s, chances of catching or spreading the flu:
- Wash your hands frequently, and carry antibacterial gels or lotions with you this fall and winter
- Sneeze or cough into your arm or into a tissue, not your hands
- Always take the precaution of staying home from school or work when you have a cough or fever
- Don’t share foods, drinks, or utensils this flu season
- Use antibacterial wipes to clean objects in your home or office that come into contact with many people, i.e.- door knobs, telephones, computer keyboard, refrigerator/microwave handles, etc.
If you do catch the flu this season, stay home for at least 24 hours after any flu symptoms have subsided to avoid infecting others, and always keep in mind that a period of contagiousness lasts a lot longer than you would typically think. According to the CDC:
“You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. Some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.”
Finally, the CDC’s number one recommendation for avoiding the flu this season? Make the time to get your flu shot. To learn more about getting a flu shot and to sign up for a reminder, visit www.findaflushot.com.