Influenza Vaccine Week
My name is Morgan LaPrete and I am the health educator at the health district and today we’re going to be talking to you about the flu vaccine in honor of national flu vaccine week! I have one of our Registered Nurses, Ashley, here to discuss the importance of the flu vaccine with me:
Morgan: Ashley, what is the flu exactly?
Ashley: A common misconception is the flu is a “stomach bug”. The influenza we vaccinate against is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs.
Morgan: What kind of symptoms can you expect with the flu in adults and children?
Ashley: Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. Some symptoms would include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, and tiredness, some people may have vomiting and diarrhea but that’s more common in children. You’ll notice these symptoms are a lot like other respiratory illnesses, the key difference here is the sudden start.
Morgan: Are there any treatments for the flu?
Ashley: If you get sick with flu, influenza antiviral medications may be a treatment option. Antiviral drugs work best when started early, such as one to two days after your flu symptoms begin. If you are at higher risk for serious flu complications and start to experience flu like symptoms, check in with your doctor when symptoms start to see if an antiviral prescription is needed. People at higher risk of flu complications include young children, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant people, and people with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. If these medications are started within 1-2 days after the start of symptoms in can lessen the symptoms and shorten the time you are sick.
Morgan: When Is flu season and, and who is most vulnerable during flu season?
Ashley: The exact timing of flu season varies but for the United States flu activity increases in October and peaks between December and February, but can last as late as May.
As I mentioned earlier, those most vulnerable are young children, adults 65 and older, pregnant people, and people with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
Morgan: What is the best way to prevent you and others from getting the flu?
Ashley: Stay home if you are sick! Good handwashing, and a yearly flu vaccine.
Morgan: Is the vaccine safe for kids and adults?
Ashley: Absolutely. The flu vaccine has been available for 50 years, hundreds of millions of Americans have received the vaccine, and there has been extensive research over that time to support the safety. A very common misconception is the flu vaccine can cause the flu. The vaccine contains inactivated viruses, meaning the viruses are no longer infectious.
It is important for pregnant people to get the flu vaccine as well. Changes to the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy and up to two weeks postpartum make people more susceptible to influenza severe enough to cause hospitalization. It is important for a pregnant person to get the flu shot, not the nasal spray. Flu shots given during pregnancy help protect both the pregnant parent and the baby from flu. Vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant people by up to one-half. You can get your flu shot anytime during pregnancy.
Morgan: Who can get the flu shot?
Ashley: everyone 6 months and older. Those who should speak to their healthcare provider before getting the vaccine are those who have had a severe life-threatening reaction to any of the ingredients, or to a prior influenza vaccine, if you have an allergy to eggs, or if you have a history of Gillian-Barre syndrome.
Morgan: How can I schedule an appointment with the health district to get my flu shot?
Ashley: You can call the Health District at 937-651-6186 or go online to loganhealthohio.gov. We offer flu vaccines Tuesdays and Thursdays.