2007-08 Influenza Information
This information pertains to seasonal flu, not pandemic flu
According to the latest information from the CDC and the Center for Infectious Disease, no shortage of vaccines is expected during the 2007-08 season, with a projected 100 million doses available. However, the CDC is also indicating that distribution and delivery problems might cause some locations to experience a shortage in the supply of vaccine. Because of these expected delays, it is imperative that those individuals at highest risk for complications from the flu act quickly to receive their vaccines.
The highest priority risk groups, noted below, should receive their shots in October and all others receive their shots in November and December. Over the past 30 years, the flu has “peaked” in February with January recording the next highest number of cases.
This year, as all years, it is critically important that individuals, families and congregations exercise care and practice good hygiene at all times. A reminder of the critical actions we can each take to decrease the possibility of spreading the flu. Please vist our Health Advisory page to review safeguards that should be taken by congregations
Basic Flu Guidelines (from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
First priority for vaccines should be people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications. In addition, as long as supplies are available to vaccinate those at highest risk, anyone else who wishes may get a flu shot.
Photo courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People who should get vaccinated each year are:
People at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
- Children aged 6–59 months
- 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:
- Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above)
- Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
- Healthcare workers
If you have questions regarding your risk status, consult your physician or call your local public health department.
In addition, the CDC provides the following information.
Use of the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine
It should be noted that vaccination with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is always an option for healthy persons aged 5-49 years who are not pregnant.
Who Should Not Be Vaccinated
There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. These include
- people who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs;
- people who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past;
- people who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously;
- influenza vaccine is not approved for use in children less than 6 months of age;
- people who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get
vaccinated until their symptoms lessen.
Vaccine Effectiveness
The ability of flu vaccine to protect a person depends on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine, and the similarity or "match" between the virus strains in the vaccine and those in circulation. Testing has shown that both the flu shot and the nasal-spray vaccine are effective at preventing the flu.
Vaccine Side Effects (What to Expect)
Different side effects can be associated with the flu shot and LAIV.
The flu shot: The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are
- Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
- Fever (low grade)
- Aches
Whether you have gotten the vaccine or not, please observe (and help those around you observe the following reminders on how to stop the spread of flu — from the CDC…
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, church and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. There are new tissues that are more effective in killing bacteria and virus. Use them!
Cover Your Cough. Do not cough or sneeze into the air. The droplets you produce could infect people as far away as 20 feet. If you do not have a tissue sneeze or cough into the crook of your arm and as quickly as possible change your clothing.
Wash your hands, thoroughly and often. Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It is best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. However, if soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product to clean your hands. Alcohol-based hand rubs significantly reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast acting.
When washing hands with soap and water:
- Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it is
available.
- Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces.
- Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing "Happy
Birthday" twice through to a friend!
- Rinse hands well under running water
- Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel
to turn off the faucet
Remember: If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based gel to clean hands. When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:
- Apply product to the palm of one hand
- Rub hands together
- Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry
When should you wash your hands?
- Before preparing or eating food
- After going to the bathroom
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
- Before and after tending to someone who is sick
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After handling an animal or animal waste
- After handling garbage
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
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