The flu vaccine provides protection against three strains of influenza virus. There is one strain of the virus that is circulating this year that is somewhat different from one of the strains included in the vaccine. However, the flu vaccine does provide some protection against this different strain.
This year there are two kinds of flu vaccine:
§ The flu shot
The flu vaccine that is given as a shot is now in short supply. This vaccine, if available, is now being given to people at highest risk for complications from the flu.
§ The nasal-spray flu vaccine
The vaccine that is sprayed into the nose is a weakened live vaccine that can be used only for healthy people ages 5-49.
People at high risk of complications from flu:
§ all children 6 – 23 months old
§ adults > 65 years old
§ pregnant women in their second or third trimester
§ persons aged > 2 years old with underlying chronic conditions
Who should get the nasal-spray flu vaccine (FluMistTM)?
Simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones:
§ Wash hands with soap and warm water or use an alcohol based hand rub or gel frequently, especially after visiting public places or being in contact with anyone with a cold or the flu. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
§ Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Turn your head (never cough in the direction of someone else) and cough or sneeze into a tissue. If tissues are not available, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow.
§ Do not take young children, those with immune system problems or the chronically ill into large crowds unnecessarily when the flu is in your community.
§ Avoid close contact (holding, hugging and kissing) with anyone who has a cold or the flu. Be very careful with children, as they are most likely to become sick with the flu.
§ Stay home from work or school and avoid public activities for at least 5 (7 for children) days if you have symptoms of the flu.
§ Do not share items that can spread germs and viruses, like drinking cups, straws, or other items that you put in your mouth.
§ Clean things that are touched often in household, classroom and child care settings: door or refrigerator handles, phones, water faucets etc.
About the flu…
The flu is a very contagious disease of the respiratory (breathing) system. The flu is easily passed from one person to another by coughing and sneezing. It is usually very unpleasant, but for most people symptoms generally get better after 7 –10 days.
The flu usually starts very suddenly with:
§ fever (from 102° – 104°) lasting 3 – 4 days§ headache§ severe muscle aches§ general weakness/extreme fatigue
These symptoms are accompanied by:
§ dry cough§ sore throat§ runny or stuffy nose
§ Rest in bed§ Drink lots of fluids§ Take non-aspirin pain relievers such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil®, Motrin®, etc.). Children and teens with the flu should never take aspirin as they may develop a rare, but serious disease called Reye syndrome§ Stay home and avoid public activities until your symptoms are resolved (usually 5-7 days)§ Talk with your health care provider if you are considering prescription drugs as they can have serious side effects in some people§ For extreme cases, visit your health care provider or the emergency department as soon as possible
Note: If you are at high risk for complications from the flu (see: Who Should Get the Flu Shot? on reverse side), you should consult your health care provider when your flu symptoms begin. Your doctor may choose to use certain antiviral drugs to treat the flu.
When should you see a health care provider?
You should see a health care provider or go to an emergency room immediately if you have any of the symptoms below:
§ Severe or prolonged flu symptoms§ Rapid or labored breathing, or bluish skin§ Pain or difficulty breathing§ Becoming sick again with fever and/or a worse cough after flu symptoms have improved§ Not drinking enough fluids§ Cough with yellow sputum or phlegm
Parents should seek medical attention for infants and children that are:
§ Not waking up; not interacting with others
§ So irritable they do not want to be held