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October 2007 – Flu Vaccine Can Save Lives
While many people welcome the change of seasons, no one looks forward to the influenza (flu) season, which generally runs from November through March. The flu — a contagious infection of the nose, throat and lungs — is caused by different strains of the influenza virus.
“The flu virus is always present, and it appears in different parts of the world at different times,” said Medical College of Wisconsin internist Gwendolyn O’Keefe, MD, medical director of the General Internal Medicine East Clinic at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin. “The virus arrives in our country from the Far East, and we usually start to see flu illness in December.”
The viruses that typically cause the flu are influenza type A or type B. Influenza type B does not change much over time, but type A can change (mutate) rapidly. Therefore, a new flu vaccine must be developed each year to protect people from the latest strains that are anticipated to spread in the United States.
“Influenza vaccination is the most effective method for preventing influenza virus infection and its potentially severe complications,” Dr. O’Keefe said. “The flu kills about 36,000 people each year and causes older people and those with chronic illness to be hospitalized. Vaccination makes it less likely for healthy people to experience flu symptoms and for more vulnerable people to suffer from severe complications or to die from the flu.”
The flu virus spreads through the air and is very contagious; it can strike people in an office, classroom, dormitory or other group all at once. People can get the flu by breathing in droplets from coughs or sneezes or by touching a surface (such as phone) that has the virus on it, and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. In addition to getting the flu vaccine, frequent hand washing is one of the best defenses against getting the flu.
Flu Symptoms
2007-2008 Flu Vaccine Recommendations
Where to Get Vaccinated
Types of Flu Vaccine
Who Should Not Get the Flu Vaccine
Treatment for the Flu
Flu SymptomsFlu symptoms usually begin with a fever. Other common symptoms include a flushed face, headache, body aches, sore throat, dry cough and tiredness. Most people get better in one to two weeks. People who experience severe symptoms may need to be hospitalized. Possible complications, especially for those at high risk, include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections.
People at high risk for serious complications from the flu include:
- People over 50
- Children from 6 months to 2 years of age
- Women more than three months pregnant during the flu season
- People living in a long-term care facility
- People with chronic illness, such as heart disease, cancer, lung or kidney conditions, diabetes, neurological problems or a weakened immune system (caused by HIV, cancer treatment, medication or other causes)
2007-2008 Flu Vaccine Recommendations“Plenty of flu vaccine is available for the 2007-2008 flu season, so everyone who wants the vaccine can get it,” Dr. O’Keefe said. “The vaccine doesn’t guarantee a person won’t get the flu, but it can greatly reduce the severity of symptoms,” Dr. O’Keefe said. “It’s especially important for people at high risk for complications from the flu to be vaccinated.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone who wants to reduce their risk of the flu can get a flu shot. The flu shot is approved for anyone older than 6 months of age.
The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccination for:
- All persons, including school-aged children, who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others
- All children age 6 months to 59 months
- All persons 50 years of age or older
- Children and adolescents (age 6 months to 18 years) receiving long-term aspirin therapy who therefore might be at risk for experiencing Reye’s syndrome after influenza virus infection
- Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
- Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
- Adults and children who are immunosuppressed (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus [HIV])
- Adults and children who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
- Persons who live with or care for people at high risk for influenza-related complications including healthy household contacts and caregivers of children ages 0-59 months
- Healthcare workers
Children and teenagers receiving long-term aspirin therapy and children between 6 months and 2 years of age should also receive a flu shot each year. The flu shot is also recommended for healthcare providers and caretakers of high-risk individuals.
“It takes about two weeks to build up immunity to the flu virus after being vaccinated,” Dr. O’Keefe said. Most people have no side effects from the flu shot. Soreness at the injection site or minor aches and low grade fever may be present for a few days. There is a rare possibility of allergic reaction.
While the optimal time to get the flu vaccine is in October or November, a person can still get the vaccine later in the flu season.
Types of Flu Vaccine“There are two types of flu vaccine,” Dr. O’Keefe said. “The inactivated vaccine is given by injection into a muscle. The influenza viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactive), so it is not possible to get the flu from this type of vaccine. All of the flu vaccine given to the public is the injectable type.”
The other type of vaccine is called live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), which contains a live, weakened from of the influenza virus. This vaccine is sprayed into the nose. “The nasal spray flu vaccine is for healthy people without asthma from age 5 to 49,” Dr. O’Keefe said. “If you live with someone who has a chronic illness or is immunosuppressed, you should not receive the nasal vaccination, as the live virus could infect the other person.” Some physician offices offer this form of vaccine or it can be prescribed and purchased at a pharmacy.
Where to Get Vaccinated“Many places offer flu shots,” Dr. O’Keefe said. “Your doctor may or may not have a supply of the flu vaccine, depending on the distribution of the vaccine in your area.” But other sources, such as some pharmacies, senior centers, community health departments, grocery stores and other sites offer flu shots. Many people receive the flu vaccine through their workplace.” The news media also promote various flu clinics in the community. Patients of Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin outpatient and primary care clinics are urged to call their physician to arrange for a flu shot at Froedtert & the Medical College.
Who Should Not Get the Flu VaccineAccording to the CDC, some people should not be vaccinated without first talking to a doctor. In general, people who should not get a flu shot include:
- Those who had a severe allergic reaction to chickens or egg protein
- Those who have a fever or illness that is more than “just a cold”
- Those who had a moderate to severe reaction after a previous flu vaccine
- Woman who are, or might be, in the first three months of pregnancy
- Those who have ever been paralyzed due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome
If You Get the Flu…People who come down with the flu should stay home from work or school to reduce the chance of spreading the flu virus. Those who have mild illness should rest, drink plenty of fluids and take medications that relieve symptoms (with the exception of aspirin, especially for children and teens; there is a link between the use of aspirin for flu symptoms and the development of Reye’s syndrome, an inflammation of the brain).
Author: Marla Fraunfelder Date: Oct. 1, 2007 | Medical Reviewer: | Gwendolyn O'Keefe, MD | | Medical College of Wisconsin internist |
Online Editor(s): Christopher Sadler
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