Top Ten Reasons to get an Influenza Vaccine Now
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 10-20 percent of Americans come down with the flu during each flu season, which typically lasts from November to March. Children are two the three times more likely than adults to the flu, and children frequently spread the virus to others. Although most people recover from flu, the CDC estimates that in the United States more than 100,000 people are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die from the flu and its complications each year.
Top 10 Reasons to get an Influenza Vaccine now:
- It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to be effective, but it is not too late to get an Influenza vaccine.
- We are entering the Holiday Season -- with more occasions for people to get together, which increases the chance to spread illness.
- Persons can be infectious with Influenza before they have the symptoms.
- About 36,000 people die of influenza yearly.
- One does not get Influenza from the vaccine.
- Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections.
- The flu season sometimes peaks in December, but can last into March or even longer.
- Vaccinating yourself can help protect your family and loved ones, or those who might be at risk for getting an infection.
- The Influenza vaccine is about 70-90% effective.
- Flu vaccine is available in a nasal-spray as well as the traditional flu "shot." The nasal-spray vaccine is approved for use in healthy people 5 years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.
For more information on influenza, visit the Medical Library at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, or contact your physician, pharmacist, employer, or the Flathead County Health Department. The Centers for Disease Control publishes a schedule on recommended adult immunizations here.
This material presented by the KRMC Infection Prevention & Control Department/Quality Management Services.
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