IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO GET A FLU SHOT

Check with the Visiting Nurse Association about flu shots. Vaccinations are the best way to prevent or minimize the flu. And of course, remember to wash your hands.

What is Influenza (also called Flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each fall. Every year in the United States, on average:
5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu.

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

How Flu Spreads
Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Preventing the Flu: Get Vaccinated
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall. There are two types of vaccines:

The "flu shot" – an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.

The nasal-spray flu vaccine – a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). LAIV is approved for use in healthy people 5 years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant. About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies
develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?
People who should get vaccinated each year are:
1. People at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
Children aged 6–59 months of age,
Pregnant women,
People 50 years of age and older,
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, and
People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.
2. 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), and
Health care workers.
3. Anyone who wants to decrease their risk of influenza.
Adapted from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm

Individuals should sign up in advance to be assured that there will be sufficient vaccine supply. Lutheran Senior Services will again administer the vaccine.

Cost is $30; if you present a Medicare Part B card (not Medicare HMO), LSS will file the claim for you.

Anyone 18 years and older may receive the vaccine.
Children who are 13 years and older, who have previously received a flu shot, may receive the vaccine if a parent is present.