While the news is reporting on the daily developments of the Ebola virus disease (EVD), perhaps a more pressing concern is the upcoming flu season. As a physician, prevention is the best medicine, and the flu vaccine has a proven track record to reduce the spread of the flu.
In fact, one study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown that the flu vaccination was associated with a 71-percent reduction in flu-related hospitalizations among adults of all ages and a 77-percent reduction among adults 50 years of age and older during the 2011-2012 flu season.
It is impossible to know how bad a season we are in for and how EVD concerns will impact it. Every flu season is different, and the flu influenza infection can affect people differently. What we do know is the flu is highly contagious, is airborne unlike EVD, and it is important for everyone to be vaccinated against the flu.
The CDC reports there are several flu vaccine options available for the 2014-2015 flu season. The traditional flu vaccines made to protect against three different flu viruses (called trivalent vaccines) are available. In addition, flu vaccines made to protect against four different flu viruses (called quadrivalent vaccines) also are available. The traditional vaccine protects against two influenza A viruses (an H1N1 and an H3N2) and an influenza B virus. The quadrivalent flu vaccine protects against two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses. This alternative vaccine is also available in a nasal spray approved for people ages 2 through 49.
The CDC recommends the flu vaccine for anyone 6 months of age and older. The vaccine is especially important for those who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia, including:
• People who have certain medical conditions, including asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease
• Pregnant women
• People 65 years and older
October and November are perfect times to get vaccinated and protect yourself from the flu.
You may check with your physician about scheduling an appointment to receive the vaccine. Additionally, many health fairs and community flu-shot clinics are available to help vaccinate against the flu. Many drug stores also offer the flu vaccine. Medicare and Medicaid cover the vaccine and are accepted at most locations.
The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The nasal spray flu vaccine is made with live, weakened flu viruses that are sprayed into the nostrils. The viruses in the nasal spray vaccine do not cause the flu.
The side effects from the vaccine are typically minor, and research has shown you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some side effects include soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was give; low-grade fever; and minor aches. If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot is administered and usually last one to two days. Almost all people who receive the influenza vaccine will experience no serious side effects. The nasal spray vaccine can also result in runny nose, wheezing, headache, vomiting and muscle aches in children.
In addition to getting a flu vaccine, some good practices to follow to slow the spread of infections include:
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Use a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand.
• Use single-use tissues. Dispose of the tissue immediately after use.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth (viruses can transfer from your hands and into the body).
• Do not share cups, glasses, dishes or cutlery.
As I stated earlier, flu shots are available at your primary care physician offices and at the Marion County Public Health Department’s district health offices. To find out locations and hours, visit MCPHD.com or call the Flu Hotline at 317-221-2121.
Nydia Nuñez-Estrada, M.D.
Family Medicine
Eskenazi Health Center North Arlington