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Flu season has arrived; here are facts about influenza

The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory disease that occurs between late fall and early spring. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to hospitalization or even death.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 226,000 Americans will be admitted to the hospital this year as a result of the flu and related complications. Adults 65 and older will account for 60 percent of the hospital stays related to the flu and 90 percent of the deaths, approximately 3,000 to 49,000.

Flu symptoms come on suddenly, unlike cold symptoms, which tend to be more gradual. Influenza is spread through droplets – usually when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can spread the flu virus 24 hours before your symptoms appear and before you know you have it.

Symptoms can vary from person to person, however most people with influenza will experience some or all of these:

Fever. Fever is almost always present with the flu and usually comes on suddenly. When you have a high fever, you are likely to experience chills.

Exhaustion. Exhaustion will give you an overall feeling of being completely tired or fatigued and unable to perform daily activities.

Headaches and/or body aches.

Coughing. Cough may be productive (producing mucous) or nonproductive.

Congestion or runny nose.

Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. These symptoms are most common in children.

Every flu season is different, depending on new strains of the virus. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for nearly everyone older than 6 months as the best way to protect against influenza. If you were vaccinated last year, you will still need another shot this year because your immunity to the viruses decline after a year and may not have included protection against new strains.

One frequent myth about receiving the flu vaccine is “I can get the flu from the vaccine.” The answer is no. The flu shot is inactivated and cannot cause infection. The nasal spray flu vaccine is “attenuated,” or weakened, and also cannot cause flu.

When should you be vaccinated so your immunity to the flu will last all season? As soon as vaccinations are available; as a general rule, after school begins is time to start thinking flu season and scheduling your appointment to receive your vaccine. It takes two weeks after receiving the shot to develop antibodies and provide the best protection. Flu vaccines are typically available throughout the season; therefore, receiving one as late as Christmas or even after is still not too late.

It is important to note that there are some people who should not receive a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. These include someone with an egg allergy, a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome or if you have a moderate-to-severe illness with or without a fever. If you have any concerns around getting a flu shot, consult your doctor and he or she will help you decide whether the vaccine is recommended for you.

La Plata Integrated Healthcare, 1970 East Third Ave., Unit 1, lower level, will be offering flu shots after Oct. 1. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the clinic at 335-2288.

Liza Fischer, Clinical Project coordinator for Axis Health System, can also be reached at (970) 335-2206 or lfischer@axishealthsystem.org for more questions or comments.



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