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Posts Tagged as Who should get a flu shot?
Posted December 7, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Press Releases
Columbia, Md. (December 5, 2010) – Steve Pellito, National Director of Wellness at Maxim Health Systems, issued the following statement today in honor of National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), a national observance from December 5 – 11, 2010.
“Maxim Health Systems applauds the efforts of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in continuing the tradition of National Influenza Vaccination Week, an initiative supporting influenza vaccination and increased disease awareness. Maxim supports the CDC’s efforts by actively educating the general public on the importance getting vaccinated, and by providing insight on flu-related topics through its informational Web site, info.findaflushot.com.
Many Americans are unaware of the fact that flu season hits hardest during February and continues throughout the winter and into early spring. It is imperative for individuals who have not yet been vaccinated against the flu to get immunized, defending themselves from an array of flu-related medical complications including fever, cough, muscle or body aches, and even death. The CDC reports that influenza is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths every year in the U.S. Protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza this year. The flu is not an illness to be taken lightly. Maxim encourages all individuals throughout the nation to participate in NIVW and help increase nationwide awareness of the influenza vaccination.”
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 December 7, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Press Releases, Uncategorized
Maxim Health Systems Supports National Influenza Vaccination Week
What: Maxim Health Systems proudly supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) annual National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), which was created in response to poor vaccination rates that follow Thanksgiving, despite the fact that cases of influenza peak in February or later. Maxim continues to demonstrate its support of NIVW by actively educating the general public on the importance getting vaccinated, and by providing insight on flu-related topics through its informational Web site, info.findaflushot.com.
Who:
Steve Pellito, National Director of Wellness, Maxim Health Systems. Mr. Pellito can provide perspective on the cost of flu to business; flu facts vs. myths; and tech-focused approaches for making vaccination easier for the whole family.
W. John Langley, M.D, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer, Maxim Healthcare Services. Dr. Langley is a board-certified pediatrician with more than 35 years of experience practicing medicine. He can help to explain the effectiveness of the flu shot; protecting your family against the flu; CDC universal recommendations; and warning signs in children and adults.
Maxim Health Systems operates more than 28,000 influenza clinics across the country, making them one of the nation’s largest flu clinic providers. In addition to running on-site influenza clinics in many large retail pharmacy and grocery chains, corporate employers and places of worship, Maxim is also a leader in using social media during the flu season. Their site, www.findaflushot.com, has the latest information on flu and helpful prevention tips.
When: Sunday, December 5 – Saturday, December 11, 2010. Dr. Langley and Mr.Pellito are available to speak with reporters throughout the week. To schedule an interview, or for more information, please contact Monica Huang at 202.659.7936 or by e-mail at mhuang@apcoworldwide.com.
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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 December 2, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
With the flu season upon us, more confirmed cases of flu are popping up across the country. This also means that during this time of holiday hustle-and-bustle, the chances of coming in contact with flu-causing germs can also increase.
In addition to getting your flu shot, it’s important to continually take measures to protect you and your loved ones from getting the flu and understand what you can do if you do happen to get the flu.
If you feel like you might be getting the flu, or even if you are completely healthy right now, it’s very important to be aware of common flu symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu as many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.[1] However, being aware of these symptoms can help you take measures to start feeling better. These include:
- Fever (usually high)
- Headache
- Fatigue (can be extreme)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)
If you develop these symptoms and are concerned about your health, especially if you are at high risk for complications, please consult with your healthcare provider.
Should your doctor determine that you have the flu, there are steps you can take if you are sick.
The first (and most important) thing to do is stay home from work or school and avoid contact with other people. The CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other things you have to do that no one else can do for you. You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.[2]
According to the CDC, most people who get the flu have a mild illness and do not need medical care, there are sometimes “emergency warning signs” for flu symptoms that require immediate medical attention. These include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Regardless of the severity of the flu, it’s important to stay away from others as much as possible to prevent them from getting sick. Also remember to continue to wash your hands as this helps prevent the spread of germs to others.
The CDC continues to recommend that the best way to prevent the flu is for everyone to receive their flu vaccine.
[1] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms.htm
[2] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm
Posted December 1, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
The flu is a serious illness. Every year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications and about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes.1 What’s worse is that everyone is at risk; there isn’t any age group that’s safe from catching the flu, developing serious flu-related complications, or even dying from those complications.
So how do you know when someone with the flu requires a trip to the emergency room? The warning signs for children and teens are slightly different from those in adults, as stated by immunize.org. 2
Here are some signs to look for in children and teens:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not urinating or no tears when crying
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Influenza-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, you want to look for the following warning signs:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Sudden dizziness
• Influenza-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
If you know someone suffering from these symptoms, it is best to take them to the emergency room right away or call 911. There are too many heart-breaking stories of otherwise healthy people seeming completely normal one minute and then rapidly deteriorating within a number of hours from influenza. Families Fighting Flu shares some of these stories on their Web site.
Fortunately, the flu can easily be prevented. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot, as well as to avoid germs through healthy habits, such as thoroughly and frequently washing your hands.
Sources
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
2 immunize.org
Posted November 17, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, H1N1 (Swine Flu), Risk/Priority Groups
A recent report released by Trust for America’s Health called Fighting Flu Fatigue provided some startling statistics about H1N1 and the impact it had across the United States during the 2009-2010 flu season.
According to the report, H1N1 infected around 20 percent of Americans (approximately 60 million individuals) and resulted in approximately 274,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 deaths. Read the entire report here.
Despite the alarming number of people affected by H1N1 last flu season, there is a real likelihood that the United States will return to complacency in its attitude toward the flu. This could be because there was a perception that H1N1 was not as serious as it was made out to be, or because the H1N1 vaccine is now part of the regular seasonal flu vaccine. Nevertheless, H1N1 and the flu as a whole are not something to be complacent about and each year the country continues to face serious health threats.
The flu is often seen as a nuisance, but it is actually very serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 1976 and 2007, flu-related deaths in the United States have ranged from a low of around 3,000 to a high of 49,000 Americans each year.
The flu is also costly to companies and businesses across the country as people who get the flu do not come to work, thus possibly costing employers productivity. In fact, the flu contributes to more than $10 million in lost productivity and direct medical expenses in the United States each year and another $16 billion in lost potential earnings.
Remember, getting your flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent getting the flu this season.
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 November 12, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
Schools, hospitals, corporations… it seems that everyone is jumping on the flu vaccine bandwagon… and for good reason! The flu is a serious illness that can lead to even more serious complications, including death. Organizations around the nation are recognizing the benefits to keeping their people healthy by making flu shots readily available.
Take a look at how the flu is gripping headlines across the nation…
1) “NH starts flu clinics in schools” Boston Globe (MA) (November 9, 2010) – “New Hampshire public health officials are starting flu clinics at selected schools and hope to vaccinate half of the state’s school age children. About 100 schools will hold clinics in the coming months in Belknap, Coos and Grafton counties as well as in the greater Manchester area. The government recommends that everyone over 6 months old get vaccinated. This year’s vaccine protects against three strains of the flu including last year’s H1N1 virus. The state is providing the vaccine through its immunization program. The cost of administering the shot will be paid by the child’s insurance or the state immunization program. The pilot project covers registered students in participating districts and not younger siblings, parents or staff.” Continue reading…
2) “Hospitals Statewide Adopt Flu Vaccine” KPLU (NPR) (WA) (November 9, 2010) – “Nearly every hospital in Washington has now adopted a mandatory flu-shot policy for hospital workers. That makes Washington the first state in the nation where nearly every hospital employee will be immunized… Then, a bill to make this policy a state law failed in the legislature. So, the hospital association decided this summer to make it a campaign. Now, 94 out of 98 hospitals in the state have signed on, with four tiny rural hospitals still waiting to make the transition. Sauer says it represents a better understanding of what’s at stake.” Continue reading…
3) “Flu shots can pay off big for employers” Los Angeles Times (CA) (November 10, 2010) – “Flu vaccinations for employees can help an employer’s bottom line, according to a new study. Research presented Tuesday at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Assn., found that for each employee vaccinated an employer can save $63 to $95 per person. Vaccinating an entire 150-person company, for example, could yield savings of between $9,450 and $14,250. The study analyzes the cost of providing flu vaccine to employees and the costs in terms of absenteeism and lost productivity from having some workers out with the flu. The key to big savings, however, is to immunize workers early in the flu season. If an employer holds a flu clinic after December, the savings won’t add up. The savings to an employer are especially significant if a flu clinic is held early in a year when a pandemic flu is circulating. In that case, vaccination can save an employer $33.94 to $700.69 per vaccinated employee.” Continue reading…
4) “Flu shot safe for pregnant women, study finds” Reuters Health (November 11, 2010) – “The safety of the flu shot, which is made using killed influenza virus, has been studied in about 10,000 pregnant women, with no evidence that it presents a particular risk in this group… These latest findings ‘add to the existing evidence that the (flu shot) is safe for pregnant women,’ lead researcher Dr. Pedro L. Moro, of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, told Reuters Health. Public health officials, as well as medical groups like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recommend that all pregnant women receive the flu shot — though not the nasal-spray flu vaccine, which is made from a live, weakened virus.” Continue reading…
5) “Infection control” Boston Globe (MA) (November 8, 2010) – “Q. What did H1N1 teach us last year? A. I think the important lesson of the influenza pandemic is pandemics do occur. Q. Will people become complacent about pandemic flu, too? A. You need to get as many people vaccinated as you possibly can every year for the seasonal influenza and when you get the unpredictable emergence of a pandemic influenza, you will already have the infrastructure in place to make and distribute vaccine to as many people as you possibly can. In fact, that is what we are doing. Each year we vaccinate more and more people. We used to vaccinate 20, 30, 40, 50 million people a year each season. This year 160 million people will get vaccinated for the seasonal flu.” Continue reading…
Posted November 11, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots
Cases of flu are already starting to pop up across the United States and it won’t be long before we start seeing more widespread flu activity. But while flu season is officially underway, that doesn’t mean it is too late to get a flu shot. In fact, now is still a great time to get vaccinated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get vaccinated before December so that those vaccinated are protected prior to the peak of flu season. It typically takes about two weeks after getting vaccinated for antibodies to develop and for your body to be fully protected, which is why it is better not to wait until flu season begins to get vaccinated.1
Vaccination is an important part of protecting yourself and loved ones from the flu. In fact, the CDC recommends getting a flu shot as the number one way to protect yourself against influenza. Despite the warnings, some recent surveys have found that a large percentage of the population might skip vaccination this flu season, leaving them vulnerable to influenza. Many of the reasons given by those planning not to get vaccinated are because of common myths. If you still have any questions about the flu vaccine, learn more about some of the common flu shot myths and get the facts about getting vaccinated.
Flu season typically peaks in January or February and can last as late as May, so getting vaccinated now will still help protect you through the peak of flu season and beyond.
Findaflushot.com has a flu shot locator that makes it easy to find a flu shot in your area. You can search by zip code and even schedule a text or e-mail reminder so you don’t forget to get vaccinated.
1-http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/fluvaccine.htm
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.