The Lakeway Bee

  One of the most common viral illnesses, seasonal influenza, is scheduled to soon make its annual appearance in Central Texas.  For the last 18 months, while much of the media attention has been focused on its slightly less potent cousin, the HINI virus (Swine Flu), seasonal influenza has patiently waited in the shadows for its return to perennial prominence.  Seasonal influenza remains the leading cause for hospitalizations and missed work days due to illness during the months of December through February.  Also, depending on the severity of the flu season, 3,000 – 49,000 people die annually just in our country, directly or indirectly, from influenza.

So, what can we do to diminish our chances of getting influenza and passing it along to our co-workers, family and friends?  First and foremost, get a flu shot this year and every year. 

For many Americans, the annual decision as to whether to get an influenza vaccine has become confusing. Myths regarding the flu vaccine have reached Greek proportions in recent years.   The major ones seem to be as follows:

“It doesn’t work.”

The truth is, while the influenza vaccination is 86% effective in prevention of influenza, it is only 10% effective in prevention of all respiratory illness in a given year. 
There are many viruses (common cold viruses) that cause upper respiratory illness.  Influenza has significantly more potential for complications than the common cold and unlike the cold, most influenza infections can be prevented with the influenza vaccine.

“It causes you to get the flu.”

Actually, it is impossible to get any viral illness, including influenza, from the vaccine.  But, because the vaccine takes up to two weeks to become effective at prevention of the flu, if you wait too late (after you have already been exposed), it can’t work.  Also, it can’t prevent common colds which often mimic the flu but with less potential for severe illness. 

Some other facts: 

Getting the flu shot annually has been shown to result in additive protection in future years and failure to get the flu shot annually results in significant reduction in immunity to flu.  This year, the influenza vaccine includes the H1NI strain as well as the other currently prevalent strain of type A influenza (H3N2) and influenza B.   Flu shots are available for $15-$25 at a myriad of convenient locations including grocery stores, pharmacies and extended hour urgent care centers.   See www.flu.gov for a vaccination site near you.

Other things to remember to prevent the spread of flu:

If you have an illness with a fever, don’t go to work or school until the fever has been resolved for 24 – 48 hours.  If you have severe symptoms, consider seeing a physician so you can discuss whether it might be proper to start an anti-influenza medication.  Anti-influenza medication, if used early in the course of influenza, can shorten the illness and reduce the length of time that you are contagious to others.  And, as always, practice good hand washing, cover up when you cough and dispose of facial tissues in a sanitary fashion.

For more information:

See the CDC “Seasonal Influenza “ website:  www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

Information Source:  Centers for Disease Control

Author:   Michael Dickey, MD has practiced urgent care and occupational medicine in the Austin Metro and surrounding areas for 18 years.   He currently is medical director for Hill Country Urgent Care in Bee Cave and Marble Falls Minor Emergency Center.