Flu Season Ahead

According to the CDC, the single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. Influenza is a serious disease, every flu season is different and can affect different people in different ways. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others.


During a regular flu season, about 90 percent of deaths occur in people 65 years and older. “Flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

Who should get a flu shot? A standard recommendation is that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu shot, but individuals should consult with their physicians regarding which option is the best for you and your family.

Vaccination to prevent influenza is very important for people who are at higher risk for serious complications of the flu.


From CDC.gov

People at High Risk for Developing Flu-Related Complications

• ·        Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
• (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/parents/index.htm)

• ·        Adults 65 years of age and older
• (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/65over.htm)

• ·        Pregnant women
• (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/pregnant.htm)

• ·        Also, American Indians and Alaskan Natives[1.1 MB, 2 pages]
• (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/native/protect_circle_life_factsheet.pdf)
• seem to be at higher risk of flu complications
•  
• People who have medical conditions including:

• ·        Asthma(http://www.cdc.gov/flu/asthma/index.htm)
• ·       Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions [including disorders of the brain,
• spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure
• disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe
• developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury].

• ·        Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and
•  cystic fibrosis)

• ·        Heart disease(http://www.cdc.gov/flu/heartdisease/index.htm)
• (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)

• ·        Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)

• ·        Endocrine disorders
• (such as diabetes(http://www.cdc.gov/flu/diabetes/index.htm) mellitus)

• ·        Kidney disorders

• ·        Liver disorders

• ·        Metabolic disorders
• (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)

• ·        Weakened immune system due to disease or medication
• (such as people with HIV or AIDS(http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/hiv-flu.htm),
• or cancer, or those on chronic steroids)

• ·        People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy

Mayers Memorial Hospital District recommends you are informed about your options and consult with your physician.