It Is Not Too Late To Get A Flu Shot, Says Illinois Department Of Public Health Director

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Respiratory / Asthma;  Public Health
Article Date: 09 Dec 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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To help stay healthy this holiday season, Illinois Department of Public Health Director, Dr. Damon T. Arnold, is reminding Illinoisans that it is not too late to get a flu shot this year. Influenza vaccine manufacturers report they expect to produce a record supply of vaccine this year, between 143 million and 146 million doses, making it possible for more people than ever to seek protection from the flu. Along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of Illinois is now recommending that children age 6 months through age 18 should receive a flu shot.

"During the holiday season we often get together with friends and families. But these gatherings can be the perfect opportunity for the flu to be spread," said Dr. Arnold. "It is important for our most vulnerable citizens - the young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems - to get a flu shot every year. Flu season runs until April, so it is not too late to get a flu shot and protect your health."

Although seasonal influenza is not required to be reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health, participating medical practitioners do provide data. Currently, participating surveillance sites are not reporting increased cases with flu-like symptoms, but IDPH did have a laboratory confirmed case earlier this season. According to the CDC, one state reported local activity, 19 states reported sporadic activity, 29 states reported no activity and one state did not report for the last week in November. Illinois is one of the 29 states that reported no activity.

Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is an infection of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza virus. Compared with most viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza infection often causes a more severe illness. Typical influenza illness includes fever (usually 100 degrees F to 103 degrees F in adults and often even higher in children) and respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, as well as headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.

Most people who get the flu recover completely in a week or two, but some people develop serious and potentially life-threatening medical complications, such as pneumonia.

Flu-related complications can occur at any age, but the elderly and people with chronic health problems are much more likely to develop serious complications after influenza infection than are young, healthier people.

To reduce the risk of getting the flu, it is important to take precautions and practice good hygiene. Make sure to avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you are sick, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Anyone who wants to reduce his or her risk of getting influenza should get an annual flu shot. Vaccination is particularly important, though, for certain people at risk of complications from influenza or those who live with or care for people at high risk for serious complications , including the following:

-- Children aged 6 months through 18 years of age
-- Pregnant women
-- People 50 years of age and older
-- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
-- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
-- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including: health care workers, household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall.

Illinois Department of Public Health
www.idph.state.il.us

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