2006 Flu Season - Are You Ready??
by Alice Endy
The complications of influenza have a high
mortality rate for the frail elderly population.
Complications, such as pneumonia, often
result in hospitalization and death.
People continuing to suffer and die from
preventable conditions is a major concern
to the medical community.
The fact that only 50% of adults over the age
of 65 obtain the Flu Vacine is indicative of
a lack of understanding of the vaccines
importance.
As we age, our immune system does not
respond as well as that of our younger
counterparts.
This is not a surprise since no part of our
body works with the efficiency of a 20 or 40yr old.
Often the older we are, the more frail we
become.
The Flu season is upon us so please read this
with an open mind and not the usual "It will
not happen to me"
syndrome.
The goal of the vaccine, is to reduce the
complications of the flu. These incude
pneumonia and other respiratory problems
that result in hospitalization and unnecessary
death.
The standard for the prevention of influenza
is the flu vaccine.
The following persons are at high risk for
complications related to the Influenza virus:
People with respiratory diseases, heart
disease,kidney disease, spinal cord injuries,
muscle or nerve disorders, impaired immunity.
In addition, residents in group homes, nursing
homes, long term care or residential facilities
are at high risk.
Anyone who has a caregiver coming into their
home as well as family caregivers should also
check with their doctor regarding obtaining
the flu vaccine.
Reactions from the vaccine may include
soreness at the injection site, low grade
fever, and tiredness.These reactions may
occur during the first6-12 hours.
It usually takes two weeks after receiving
the vaccine to be protected. Often people
have alreadybeen exposed to an infectious
person and develop the flu soon after the
vaccine is administered.This is not caused
by the vaccine. It is caused by an exposure
to the Influenza virus.
The vaccine does not contain live virus.
You can not get the flu from the vaccine.
Who should not get flu vaccine:
Any one with a severe allergic reaction to
eggs, history of Guillain- Barre syndrome,
or iscurrently ill with a moderate fever,
as well as anyone with a history of sever
reaction to influenza vaccine in the past.
Please consult your doctor regarding
obtaining the vaccine.
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