by Kimberly Richards, Pharm.D., R.Ph.
Pattie A Clay Regional Medical Center Pharmacy Director
As winter fast
approaches, another season is on the horizon—Flu Season. Influenza or “flu” is
an infection of the respiratory tract that can affect millions of people every
year. It is highly contagious and occurs mainly in the late fall, winter, or
early spring. Influenza is spread from person-to-person through respiratory
secretions from coughing and sneezing of people who are already carrying the
virus. Influenza is an illness that is different from the common cold.
Influenza is usually much more severe and, depending on the severity, can lead
to loss of school and work, and complications such as pneumonia,
 hospitalization and even death.
Common symptoms of the virus include sudden fever, shaking chills, moderate or
severe muscle and joint aches and pains, sweating, a dry cough, nasal
congestion, sore throat and headache lasting up to 1-2 weeks. In addition,
people infected with influenza often complain of moderate or severe malaise and
fatigue.
The best way to
protect yourself from influenza is to receive an annual immunization. The
vaccine is an inactivated (killed) viral vaccine. This means that people cannot
get the flu from receiving the vaccine because it is not a live form of the
virus. If someone gets the flu after receiving the vaccine, they were likely
already exposed to the virus or they may have a cold. Also, no vaccine is 100%
protective. In fact there are several strains of influenza viruses that break
out every year, too many to cover with one vaccine. So each year the vaccine
manufacturers typically use 3 strains, which were identified through global
surveillance, to be likely to circulate in the coming year. When the match is a
good one, the vaccine can prevent symptoms of influenza in 70% to 90% of healthy
young adults. This is less in elderly people because of lower immune systems.
Who should get the
vaccine? It is recommended in all persons aged 65 and older, residents of long
term care facilities, persons with chronic heart and lung disease or an
immunologic disorder such as cancer, health care workers and anyone wishing to
protect themselves against influenza. There have been years where the vaccine
has been in short supply and it has been offered first to those with a greater
need such as an elderly patient with asthma. However, this year all reports
show that there is a surplus of the vaccine and anyone wanting the vaccine will
be able to receive it.
Since influenza
activity in the U.S. usually peaks in the winter, most vaccination programs are
conducted around October through November but you can receive it anytime during
the season. The most common side effect of the vaccine is soreness at the
injection site that can last up to a couple of days. Individuals who should not
receive the vaccine include anyone having allergies to chicken eggs because
manufacturers grow the vaccine in these eggs for harvesting, anyone with a
previous serious reaction to an influenza shot or if you have a current illness
with fever.
Influenza affects all
age groups. Each year about 20,000 Americans, mainly elderly, die because of
influenza or influenza related pneumonia. Over 90% of the deaths occur in
persons aged 65 years and older. In fact, pneumonia and influenza together are
the 6th most common cause of death in the United States. Influenza
is also responsible for millions of lost work days per year. So the question is
“Why not get the flu vaccine?”.
The Instant Care
Center in Richmond will begin there vaccine program around the middle of October
for anyone interested in receiving the vaccine. For more information or to
schedule an appointment you may call them at 623-1950.
11/03
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