Health and Wellness

Flu Season

It's only been a few days since the first real taste of fall, yet ask around, and many people have already been suffering through some sort of cold. From a sore throat to a stuffy nose, cough and everything in between, the first of the winter bugs are upon us. But lurking out there and not too far away is a much more menacing germ known as the flu.

"A lot of people think the flu is stomach flu but that's not it," says Sally Rosemeyer, Quality Services Director and Infection Control Coordinator for Boscobel Area Health Care. "Influenza is a severe respiratory illness with a cough, fever greater than 100 degrees, and body aches. Chances are if you've had it, you'll remember it because often people describe the feeling as being hit by a truck."

Each year in the U.S., 5%-20% of the population comes down with the flu. That amounts to a total of 60 million infections leading to 25 million visits to the doctor. About 200,000 people become hospitalized for those infections and 38,000 die from complications. Compare that to the 5,500 deaths a year from pneumonia or the 125 deaths a year from meningitis and you can see the flu is more serious than you might think.

That's why there are pushes in the community to get your flu shot, especially those at the highest risk. So, who are these people? "It's people who are elderly and also very young," says Rosemeyer. "And in-between those ages, it's those have chronic illness, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, etc. Also people whose immune systems are compromised, like those receiving cancer treatment."

Not everyone can get the shot, including those younger than 6 months of age, people with a severe reaction to eggs, and those who've had a reaction to the vaccine in the past. That's why "herd immunity" is so important. Herd immunity is the idea of vaccinating a greater number of the community to prevent the illness from being transmitted to those who are most vulnerable. To achieve this goal, the CDC says we need 80 percent of Americans to get the flu shot, including those not considered high risk.

But getting people to the flu shot clinic or their local doctor is a problem. In 2003, a vaccine shortage had public health officials spreading a message that only those at greatest risk should receive the shot. Since then, production of the vaccine has improved dramatically to the point where there are now plenty of shots to meet the 80% target.

"The shortage made some people think it's only for people at high risk, so if I go in, it's taking up a dose for someone that really needs it," says Rosemeyer. "But the reality is we've ramped up production so much that it's available for anyone now."

And now is the perfect time to get your shot. Flu season can start as early as October or run as late as May. Local clinics and the Public Health Department have begun administering the shot. Once you receive your immunization, it takes about two weeks to receive protection from the flu virus. So is it never too late to receive your shot?

"Even if you're busy and make it through Christmas without getting the shot, it's still worth getting. January and February are still fine times to get it. In fact, the flu peaks around here in January or later 80 percent of the time," says Rosemeyer.

And if you think you'll skip on the shot and instead just see your doctor at the first sign of symptoms, you could be in for a rude awakening, says Rosemeyer. "The truth is the anti-viral medication only works within the first 48 hours. And even then, it will only shorten the flu's duration 1-3 days." The flu can last as long as 10 days.

"There are many influenza-like illnesses," says Rosemeyer. "But influenza is unique in that it's definitely different. You'll know it if you get it. That's why it's best not to take your chances and instead get the shot."

Break Out: Flu Myths

Myth: "The flu shot causes the flu."
Reality: The flu shot is a killed virus. There's no way it can give you the flu.
Myth: "The flu isn't a serious disease."
Reality: It sends more than 200,000 to the hospital each year and 38,000 will die from it.
Myth: "The side effects are worse than the flu."
Reality: You can get a little swelling or redness where you received or some minor body aches but nothing as severe as the ten days of body aches, fatigue, and high fever you can get from the flu itself.
Myth: "You must get the flu vaccine before December."
Reality: 80% of the time, flu season doesn't peak until January or later. It's still ok to get your shot in January or even February.
Myth: "The flu shot doesn't work."
Reality: There are years like last year where the flu shot wasn't as effective in preventing the virus but even in cases where the wrong strains are chosen, there is still some protection offered by getting the shot. Chances are you'll get better a lot faster.

Break Out: What is Flu Mist?

Flu mist is a weakened flu virus administered through a nasal spray. This has been proven to be just as effective in preventing the flu as a flu shot for people ages 2-49. Some studies have even indicated for kids, it may be more effective at preventing the flu than a shot. It may also be an easier sell to children.

Break Out: I got vaccinated last year, why do I have to again this year?

There's not just one flu virus out there and the viruses themselves mutate. Each year one or two strains circulate across the country. In February scientists study what strains are being spread around other parts of the world. They choose two A strains of the virus and one B strain and then begin making vaccines for the following fall. Because the virus is different each year, the vaccine you received last year will not contain the same strain of the virus as the current one circulating and that means it won't be able to offer up protection.

Break Out: U.S. Annual Deaths by Disease

Flu - 38,000
Pneumonia - 5,500
HPV (cervical cancer) - 3,900
Hepatitis B - 685
Meningitis - 125
Pertussis - 11

Break Out: Who Should get a Shot?

Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu
Children aged 6 months to 19 years old
Pregnant women
Healthcare workers
People age 50 and older
People with chronic medical conditions