FLU VACCINATIONS VITAL TO YOUR WINTER HEALTH

Each year 35 to 50 million Americans get the flu and as many as 20,000 people die from it. It's among the leading causes of death in the United States, especially among those over 50.

Even though nearly $4.6 billion are spent annually on direct medical costs related to the flu, less than half of those who would benefit from vaccination get vaccinated.

Influenza -- known commonly as the flu -- is different than the common cold or stomach flu because it's caused by viruses identified as Influenza A, B and C, highly contagious respiratory viruses spread commonly by sneezing and coughing. People who work in healthcare offices, hospitals or healthcare organizations, or people who reside in nursing homes or other organizations are at the highest risk for contracting these viruses.

The virus also can be passed through hand contact or by touching objects that were touched by someone with the flu. Consequently, children in daycare centers and schools are often affected. Good hand washing helps minimize the spread.

Flu symptoms include weakness, muscue aches, poor appetite, chills and fever. Patients with the flu often require rest and symptoms usually improve in about three days. Those over 65 often require hospitalization, and the rate of hospitalization doubles by age 75.

The Advisory Committee On Immunization Practices (ACIP) urges healthcare providers to delay adult mass vaccination campaigns until late November rather than October. There is a shortage of vaccine due to a lower than expected yield through manufacturing. The Centers For Disease Control has provided modified recommendations for this flu season emphasizing vaccination among those at the highest risk of death from the flu. That will include senior adults and healthcare workers. It is expected to arrive late in Southeast Missouri, perhaps by mid November.

It is necessary to get a vaccination each fall since the strains of viruses causing the flu are changing. The flu vaccine is effective at preventing the flu in 70 to 90 percent of healthy people receiving the vaccination and 30 to 50 percent in elderly patients. These vaccinations result in a nearly 70 percent reduction in total hospitalizations and 50 to 85 percent reduction in deaths.

Web resources

* www.cdc.gov/od/oc/me-dia/pressrel/r2k0622a.htm gives information regarding the delay with the flu vaccine.

* www.mayohealth.org/mayo/9910/htm/fluvac.htm describes when to get the vaccine and who should get it.