Beware of that handrail, sink faucet, and doorknob. No amount of hand sanitizer will prepare you for contact with the new movie “Contagion.” This fictional story is about an out-of-control virus that causes a pandemic and leads to a rapid breakdown of society. Although this happens rarely, if a virus gets the right mode of spread, it could go anywhere! This is why flu vaccination is so critical to almost all Americans, especially seniors.
For older adults with compromised immune systems and those who are caring for people with even more weakened immune systems, the seasonal flu season (October – May) can be very serious, even deadly. Each year in the U.S., deaths from flu-related causes range from 3,300 to 48,600 (average of 23,600), and more than 200,000 are hospitalized from serious flu complications. Ninety percent of flu-related deaths and more than half of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people age 65 and older.
The single best way to avoid getting the flu is through a flu shot. It is critical that Sun City residents get vaccinated now (at the beginning of the flu season) to avoid the higher exposure contact with the flu viruses found in the middle and end of the season. Two weeks are also necessary for full immunization to take place after a person receives the vaccine. This year’s vaccination will protect you from the H3N2 Virus, the H1N1 Virus, and the Influenza B Virus. Even if you received a vaccine last year, this year’s vaccine viruses have been updated. A senior’s protective antibody declines over the course of the year after vaccination or infection, as well. Side effects from the shot are minimal.
Also for those seniors identified to have higher risks (congestive heart failure, diabetes, asthma, cancer, HIV/Aids) to their immune systems, a new stronger dose (Super Vaccine) of the inactive viruses is available to them in 2011. Everyone else should be able to get the Regular dosage of the inactive viruses this year. Talk to your doctor or nurse about the best option for you.
The following group of seniors should not take the vaccine: (1) People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, (2) People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination, (3) People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome, (4) People who have a moderate to severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they have recovered).
The “flu bug” is very contagious. It spreads through respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes or even talking for up to a distance of six feet. They can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly can be inhaled into their lungs. Less often, a person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop, up to five to seven days after becoming sick, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Children may pass the virus for longer than seven days. Symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you even know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some persons can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons still spread the virus to others.
Flu symptoms include fever (not always), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. For this kind of respiratory flu, only a few will have vomiting and diarrhea. If you or someone close to you develops these flu symptoms, seek medical help at once. You might need antiviral drugs.
Do your best to stay healthy during the “flu season.” Avoid people who are sick with the flu, stay home when you are sick; cover your coughs and sneezes; wash your hands often; don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth; and get plenty of sleep, exercise, fluids, and healthy food. Most of all, get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Doan Masulis, Walgreen’s Pharmacist (Kruetzer and Highway 47), tells us that while the past two years have not been considered too high in flu cases, “It is too soon to know, but I hope this season is low as well. It (the flu) can still come out big late in the season. There is an okay amount of vaccine right now, and we can always order more.”
