Health Watch By Sherry Mullenix

The North Jefferson News



Influenza (flu) is a serious disease of the nose, throat, and lungs.

It can make you sick for a week or longer with coughing, fever, aching and more. It can lead to much more serious conditions like pneumonia, and make already existing health problems such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease harder to manage.

Each year in the U.S., more than 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. Getting a flu-shot is the best way to protect yourself from the flu.

Starting in October, most physicians and some pharmacies will be providing the opportunity for you to get a flu shot. Some will also be offering the opportunity of pneumonia vaccine as well.



Who should get a flu shot?

• Everyone who is 6 months or older can benefit from the protection a flu shot offers

• The Center for Disease Control (CDC) – identifies the following as HIGH RISK individuals, and should be among the first to get a flu shot

• People 50 Years and older

• People at any age who have had a heart attack, have heart disease, have lung disease such as asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis, diabetes, HIV, a blood disorder, kidney disease or weakened immune system

• Children age 6 months and older until their fifth birthday

• Pregnant Women

• People who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities

• People who have health problems that make it difficult to breath or swallow

• Healthcare workers and individuals who care for or live with anyone with the above listed conditions



How does the flu shot work?

The flu shot helps your body fight the virus that causes the flu. It does this by teaching your immune system to recognize the flu virus, so that it can be primed and ready to fight the disease should you be exposed.

Since each year there are different strains of the flu being circulated the formulation of the flu shot, each year is formulated to provide protection against the anticipated strains that will be prevalent that year.



Myths and facts

Myth: The flu shot can cause the flu

False: The flu shot won’t cause the flu. Some people get a little soreness or redness where they get the shot. It goes away in a day or two. But the flu shot is actually a killed virus, thus unable to replicate and cause the flu.



Myth: The flu shot doesn’t work

False: Most time the flu shot will prevent the flu. In scientific studies, the effectiveness of the flu shot has ranged from 70 – 90 percent when there is a good match to the circulating virus and those in the vaccine.



Myth: The side effects are worse than the flu

False: The worst side effect you’re likely to get from the shot is a sore arm. The nasal mist flu vaccine might cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or cough. The risk of serious severe allergic reaction is less than 1 in 4 million.



Myth: Only older people need the flu vaccine

False: Adults and children with conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart and kidney disease need to get a flu shot. Doctors also recommend children six months and older get a flu shot every year until their fifth birthday



Myth: You must get a flu shot before December

False: Flu vaccine should be given before or during the flu season. The best time to get vaccinated is October or November. But you can get vaccinated in December or later.



Myth: The flu shot protects against colds and other respiratory diseases

False: The vaccine only protects you against the flu viruses contained in that year’s vaccine. Since the strains of flu circulating each year are different, the flu shot must be received each year.

Severe reactions to the flu shot are rare, but what should you look for? Watch for any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness, or wheezing, hives paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat or dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms after getting the flu shot, call your doctor or the person who gave you the shot.

If you want to know more, ask your physician or pharmacist about the vaccine, or call your local or state health department. Information is also available from the CDC by calling 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or at www.cdc.gov/flu.

Sherry Mullenix (J.D., R.N.) co-owns The Pharmacy in Mount Olive with her husband, Steve Mullenix (R.Ph). They can be reached at 631-1201.