Health Nov 2007

Health

November 2007

Welcome to The Plaza Pages Newsletter San Angelo Texas

When should you receive the flu vaccine?

In the United States, the flu virus usually occurs from about November until April. Typically, activity is very low until December, and peak activity most often occurs between January and March. Flu vaccine should be administered between September and mid-November. The optimal time for organized vaccination programs for persons at high risk for influenza-related medical complications is usually the period from October to mid-November. It takes about 1 to 2 weeks after vaccination for antibody against influenza to develop and provide protection. Who is at increased risk for complications of influenza by virtue of age or underlying medical condition. Groups at increased risk of influenza complications include:

Persons aged 65 years or older.

Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities housing patients of any age who have chronic medical conditions.

Adults and children with chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including children with asthma.

Adults and children who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications).

Children and teenagers (6 months to 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and therefore may be at risk for developing Reye syndrome after influenza.

There is some evidence to suggest that women who are in the third trimester of pregnancy or in the early postpartum period may be at increased risk for serious medical complications after influenza infection. Pregnant women who will be in the third trimester of pregnancy between December and April should consult their health care provider about receiving influenza vaccine during the period September to mid-November.

In addition, the following groups should be vaccinated because, while not at high risk themselves, they may transmit influenza to persons who are at high risk for complications:

Physicians, nurses, and other health care personnel in both hospital and outpatient-care settings.

Employees in nursing homes and chronic-care facilities who have contact with patients or residents.

Providers of home care to persons at high risk--for example, visiting nurses and volunteer workers.

Household members (including children) of high-risk persons.

Finally, the flu vaccine may be administered to any person who wishes to reduce his or her chances of acquiring influenza infection. Persons who provide essential community services may be considered for vaccination to minimize disruption of essential activities during influenza outbreaks. Students or other persons in institutional settings, such as those who reside in dormitories, should be encouraged to receive vaccine to minimize the disruption of routine activities during epidemics. Persons needing further information regarding the use and availability of influenza vaccine should consult with their health provider or their local health department.

Edited by Norman Bliss