Rep. McCarthy Reminds Constituents That Flu Season is Approaching

As the winter months approach, so too does cold and flu season.  Influenza is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus, which can be spread by coughing, sneezing, or nasal secretions.  Anyone can get influenza, but rates of infection are highest among children.

For most people, the flu lasts only a few days. It can cause fever, sore throat, chills, fatigue, cough, headache, and muscle aches.  Unfortunately, some people get much sicker. Influenza can lead to pneumonia and can be dangerous for people with heart or breathing conditions. It can cause high fever, diarrhea and seizures in children.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 226,000 people are hospitalized every year because of influenza and 36,000 die – mostly elderly.

Fortunately, the influenza vaccine is available to help prevent becoming infected.  Influenza viruses are always changing, and vaccines are updated every year, so an annual vaccination is recommended.

Who should get vaccinated?

In short, all children 6 months and older and anyone 50 years of age or older should be vaccinated.  Additionally, the CDC recommends that women who will be pregnant during flu season, anyone with a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS or cancer treatment, people with seizure disorders, and residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities also receive the vaccine annually.  People who live with or care for people at high risk for influenza-related complications (health care providers, households with children, households with elderly adults, etc.) should also be vaccinated.  Health care providers may also recommend that people living in dormitories or otherwise crowded conditions and those who provide essential community services get vaccinated.  These are only recommendations--anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming sick with the flu or spreading the flu to others should get the influenza vaccine.

The weather turning cooler should be a reminder that it is time to visit your health care provider for the influenza vaccine.  You should plan to get vaccinated in October or November if you can, but getting vaccinated in December or even later will still be beneficial to you in most years.  You can get the vaccine as soon as it is available and for as long as the illness is occurring in your community.  The flu vaccine can be given by your health care provider, but is also available during special events at certain pharmacies and government offices.

For more information, you should contact your immunization provider, your local or state health department, or visit www.cdc.gov/flu.