CAPE COUNTY HEALTH OFFICIALS OFFER FLU SHOTS

The best way to avoid the body aches, fever, sore throat and congestion of influenza is to get a flu shot, experts say.

And the best time to get a flu shot is October through mid-November said Jane Wernsman, assistant director of the Cape Girardeau County Health Center, which will begin offering flu and pneumonia vaccinations on Friday.

The flu vaccine will often prevent the development of influenza or will lessen the severity and duration of symptoms for those who do contract the flu, said Dr. Brent Voszler, a family practice physician at Regional Primary Care Inc.

This year's flu vaccine offers protection against the A Beijing, A Sydney and B Yamanashi strains of influenza, Wernsman said. These are the strains the Centers for Disease Control expect to circulate this flu season, which the CDC predicts will be mid-November through March, she said.

"The most appropriate time to get the vaccine is before flu season begins," said Voszler, who recommends getting the shot around the second week of October.

"The optimal time for the vaccination is October through mid-November because it takes one to two weeks after getting the vaccine for your body to start developing antibodies against the flu," Wernsman said.

According to the CDC, the flu vaccine is recommended for those age 65 and older; residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities; adults and children with chronic health conditions; family members who care for those with health problems; health care workers; and anyone who wants to prevent the flu.

Wernsman emphasized the last group.

"The CDC says if you want to avoid getting the flu, get a vaccine," she said.

"My personal bias is that everybody should get a flu shot," said Voszler, who noted there are medical and financial reasons for getting the vaccine.

According to the CDC, each winter 25 million to 50 million Americans typically come down with the flu, and the virus causes an average 110,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths nationally each year.

The aged and chronically ill are those most at risk for the complications from influenza that can lead to death, which is why it is so important for them to be immunized, Voszler said.

Even if there are no serious complications, the flu can cost people money in lost time at work, medications, perhaps a trip to the doctor.

With a flu shot costing $5 to $35, it is cost-effective to get one, Voszler said.

He thinks the flu vaccine should be promoted in offices, businesses and factories. Not only could the shots keep people from getting sick and missing work, it could also keep influenza from spreading, he said.

Financially, it's estimated $4.6 billion is spent on direct medical costs related to influenza, Voszler said.

"That could be reduced enormously if everyone would get a flu shot," he said.

Some people are not vaccinated because of misconceptions about the vaccine, mistakenly believing it causes unpleasant side effects or even that it may cause the flu, according to the CDC.

Many of those misconceptions are based on the early version of the flu vaccine, which could cause symptoms and complications, Voszler said.

But, according to CDC studies, today's version of the flu vaccine has no serious side effects in most people.

The most serious side effect that occurs with the vaccine, the CDC says, is an allergic reaction in those with severe allergy to eggs. The vaccine is grown in hens' eggs. For this reason, people who have an allergy to eggs should not receive the influenza vaccine.

There is a new anti-viral medicine being released this week that tests have shown is effective in keeping family members from getting the flu when a relative brings the virus home and reduces the duration of a bout of flu by one to two days.

Marketed as Relenza, the powder inhalant should be on drug store shelves by Friday. But it, like the other new flu medications awaiting FDA approval, must be taken during the first day or two of symptoms.

From what he's read about the new drug, Voszler said he feels prevention, in the form of a flu vaccine, is more beneficial than trying to treat influenza once you have it.

Also, the wholesale cost of Relenza for treating one bout of flu will be $37, according to an Associated Press story. The cost for a flu vaccine from the county health center is $5 and there is no out-of-pocket expense for those with a Medicare or Medicaid card.

In addition to flu shot clinics it is holding around town, the county health center at 1121 Linden will hold daily walk-in clinics starting Tuesday and until the vaccine is gone.

Last year, Wernsman said, the center gave some 6,000 flu shots and she expects to have about that number again this year.

Those on Medicaid or Medicare should bring their card and identification. For children, parents must obtain and bring with them a physician's order for those under 18 to receive the vaccine, Wernsman said.

Flu clinic schedule

The Cape Girardeau County Health Center will offer flu and pneumonia vaccinations at the following places. There are no out-of-pocket expenses for people with a Medicare or Medicaid card. Cost for others is $5 for the flu vaccination, $10 for pneumonia vaccination.

The first three clinics are targeted for adults age 65 and older and adults or children with chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular system.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Cape Senior Citizens Center.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Jackson Nutrition Center.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Delta Community Center.

9-noon and 1-4 daily after Tuesday at the county health center.

The health center will be closed Oct. 12 for Columbus Day.

3-5 p.m. Oct. 13, Clippard School library.

3-5 p.m. Oct. 18, Jefferson School gymnasium.

2:30-5 p.m. Oct. 19, Central High School library.

3-5 p.m. Oct. 20, Schultz School library.

4-6 p.m. Oct. 27, Salvation Army.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 29, Sam's Club.

Noon-2 Nov. 2, Millersville Baptist Church.