Nov 24, 2007
Health district recommends flu shots
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by GHADA MAKUCH
Westport Weston Health District
The Westport Weston Helath District recommends flu shots for those at high risk of the flu.
What is the flu?
Influenza is an acute viral infection characterized by the sudden onset of fever, chills, headaches, muscle pains, severe weakness, exhaustion and cough.
It is mainly spread through droplets of infectious respiratory secretions or by fine respiratory aerosols produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. It may also be spread by hand/face contact after touching surfaces contaminated with infectious respiratory droplets.
The incubation period is one to three days. People are contagious from the onset of symptoms through four to five days of illness. The acute symptoms last for about a week, although full recovery may take longer.
Why get vaccinated?
“Prevention is the best means to help stop the spread of this potentially life-threatening illness. We are committed to vaccinating our residents, particularly those who are at high risk of complications from influenza,” said Sue Jacozzi, WWHD director of health.
When to get vaccinated?
The best time to get vaccinated is usually October or November. If you missed your flu shot earlier, you can still be vaccinated through December. The flu season extends from October through May.
Who is at risk of getting the flu?
All individuals over the age of 65 years and those with chronic medical conditions should get vaccinated. Chronic health problems include heart disease, lung disease (asthma and COPD), kidney disease, diabetes, and compromised immune system.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend influenza vaccination every year for the following risk groups:
• Children six months to 59 months of age
• Children six months to 18 years of age who are on long-term aspirin treatment
• Women who are pregnant during the flu season
• Household contacts and caregivers of anyone in high risk group
• Health care workers
• Adults 50 years and older
Who should not be vaccinated?
Before you get vaccinated, you need to check with your doctor if you have a serious egg, chicken, or thimerosal allergy, are ill with fever, or have/had Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
How effective is the vaccine?
How protective the vaccine is depends on the age and health conditions of the recipient. It also depends on the strain of influenza circulating. If the vaccine matches the circulating strain the protective effect is the highest.
The Westport Weston Health District is a regional health department that provides full-time professional health services in the areas of environmental health, disease prevention, and health education.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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