Flu season promotes vaccines
Flu season is on it way
Rajan Koirala
Issue date: 11/17/08 Section: News
Because flu shots take about two weeks to become effective, people at high risk of having serious flu complications are especially encouraged to get their annual flu shot as soon as possible.
These groups include children ages six months through 18 years, those 50 years and older, people with chronic medical conditions, residents of long-term care facilities and pregnant women.
People living with those at risk of the flu and who have close contact with children younger than six months should also get vaccinated every year.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of people die of the flu worldwide, and in the United States, more than 200,000 are hospitalized and 36,000 die.
Influenza outbreaks generally occur during the winter months because people spend more time indoors and in close contact with each other. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), there are two different flu seasons each year. Because of the occurrence of winter at different times in the northern and southern hemisphere, some people get flu throughout the year. Since the flu virus mutates so easily, it is possible for a new strain to evolve between two seasons.
Three strains of the flu virus are addressed in this year's vaccine: A/Brisbane/59/2007(H1N1), A/Brisbane/10/2007(H3N2) and B/Florida/4/2006. Health officials determine the viruses they think will be circulating in the community and develop a vaccine to prevent the strains.
In Texas, flu season typically runs from October through May, reaching its peak in January and February.
"Don't wait for cold weather to get your flu shot," Dr. David Lakey, Texas Department of State Health Services Commissioner, said. "A flu shot before the holiday travel season begins is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from flu and its complications and to reduce the spread of the virus."
Mary E. Wisgirda, biology professor at South, did not get a flu shot when they were available on campus, and now she regrets it. She said she will probably get one soon but wants everybody to get a vaccine from a reputable source only.
"For most people, flu is just a major inconvenience. Having a high fever for several days is not fun," Wisgirda said. "However, for some people, it can lead to pneumonia, which is a bigger concern."
These groups include children ages six months through 18 years, those 50 years and older, people with chronic medical conditions, residents of long-term care facilities and pregnant women.
People living with those at risk of the flu and who have close contact with children younger than six months should also get vaccinated every year.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of people die of the flu worldwide, and in the United States, more than 200,000 are hospitalized and 36,000 die.
Influenza outbreaks generally occur during the winter months because people spend more time indoors and in close contact with each other. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), there are two different flu seasons each year. Because of the occurrence of winter at different times in the northern and southern hemisphere, some people get flu throughout the year. Since the flu virus mutates so easily, it is possible for a new strain to evolve between two seasons.
Three strains of the flu virus are addressed in this year's vaccine: A/Brisbane/59/2007(H1N1), A/Brisbane/10/2007(H3N2) and B/Florida/4/2006. Health officials determine the viruses they think will be circulating in the community and develop a vaccine to prevent the strains.
In Texas, flu season typically runs from October through May, reaching its peak in January and February.
"Don't wait for cold weather to get your flu shot," Dr. David Lakey, Texas Department of State Health Services Commissioner, said. "A flu shot before the holiday travel season begins is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from flu and its complications and to reduce the spread of the virus."
Mary E. Wisgirda, biology professor at South, did not get a flu shot when they were available on campus, and now she regrets it. She said she will probably get one soon but wants everybody to get a vaccine from a reputable source only.
"For most people, flu is just a major inconvenience. Having a high fever for several days is not fun," Wisgirda said. "However, for some people, it can lead to pneumonia, which is a bigger concern."
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