What to Do About the Flu

Every year, millions of people suffer from the flu, a highly contagious infection.It spreads by "droplet". When a person with the flu coughs or sneezes droplets are released into the air that can infect other people. Flu is the short name for influenza, a group of viruses that lodge in the nose, throat or upper lobes of the lungs. Generally flu results in a mild illness in healthy children and adolescents over the age of five and young and middle aged adults. Very young babies and children under age, older adults and people with chronic disease or lowered immune systems (diabetes, cancer or AIDS for example). An exception to this was the Fu epidemic of 1918 that killed many more young adults than normally occurs.

Can The Flu Be Prevented? A yearly flu shot is the best defense against the flu. The flu is a virus that can change and mutate. Vaccines are developed using the best information scientist have on the upcoming flu season. In some people the vaccine may not prevent flu but may help lesson symptoms and the risk of complications. Staying out of crowds and away from infected persons can also help prevent infection.

The cost of the flu shot is covered by Medicare. Many private health insurance plans also pay for the flu shot. Your doctor should offer you a flu shot in the fall and you should ask for it Most communities have flu shot clinics. The best time to get the vaccine is in the fall before the height of the flu season in January/February. You also may be able to get a flu shot from your local health department or from other health care providers.

Studies have shown that the flu shot reduces hospitalization by about 70 % and death by about 85 % among older people who are not in nursing homes. Among nursing home residents, the flu shot reduces the risk of hospitalization by about 50%, the risk of pneumonia by about 60%, and the risk of death by 75 to 80%.

Flu Shot Guidelines]

The Federal Government through the Centers for Disease Control updates their guidance on at risk people who should get the flu shot every year. The number of people included in their at risk groups has increased over the last few years. The following are at high risk of serious illness from the flu and should get a flu shot year:

:
• children aged 6-59 months
• pregnant women
• persons of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• Anyone who lives with or cares for someone at high risk including:
  • household contacts who have frequent contact with persons at high risk and who can transmit influenza to those persons at high risk
  • health care workers
  When Should You Get Flu Shot?

  In the United States, flu season usually begins in November with the high point in January/February and lasts through April. The best time to get your flu shot is between September and mid-November. It takes about 1 to 2 weeks after you get the shot to develop protection. Even if flu season has started you should still get a flu shot.

  What are the side effects of the flu shot?

  Most people tolerate flu shot very well with the most common side effect being some soreness and redness in the area of the shot. Some people do report slight fever and body ache for a few days

  The flu shot does not cause flu.
  One of these rare exceptions for side effects is people who have a severe allergy to eggs.The viruses for flu vaccines are grown in eggs and may cause serious reactions in people who are severely allergic to eggs. People who have a severe allergy to eggs should not get the flu shot.