Getting an influenza vaccine this month can reduce a person's chance of getting the flu this winter by 70-90 percent. Those ages six months and up are encouraged to get the flu vaccine.
Angi Ellsworth, a registered nurse at Boone County Family Medicine, 1115 S. Marshall St., thinks the reduced chance of getting the flu alone is reason enough to get the vaccine.
"We usually start doing flu shots in the middle of October, but people can start getting them as early as September," Ellsworth said. "The flu does peak in January and February in Iowa. It takes two weeks for the body to make antibodies, so you should try to get it as soon as you can."
The flu vaccine protects against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. The vaccine will protect a person from getting sick from the flu and if a person still ends up getting it, it will make their illness milder.
A common myth associated with the flu vaccine is that after injection, an individual gets the flu.
"One of the myths of the flu shot is that it gives you the flu; that is not true. Some side effects that can occur are soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given, a fever or even aches. Another myth is that it's only for the elderly," Ellsworth said.
Individuals at high risk for complications from the flu include children age 6 months to 5 years old, pregnant women, those 50 years of age and older, those that live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, and people of any age with chronic medical conditions. Also, those who come into contact with people who are at high risk for complications from the flu, caregivers for children younger than 6 months old and healthcare workers are encouraged to get the flu vaccination.
Ellsworth said there are people that fall into a category that should not be vaccinated. They include those who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccine in the past, those who have developed Guillain-Barre syndrome, children younger than 6 months of age and those that are currently ill.
Ellsworth encourages individuals that are ill to avoid getting the flu vaccine until they are feeling better.
"We tell people that are moderately to severely ill to wait to get the flu shot until they are better," Ellsworth said.
Ellsworth said it is possible for Boone County Family Medicine to determine whether or not a person has the flu and there are ways to lessen the effects of the flu once a person has it.
"There are some antivirals we can prescribe to ease the flu, but it has to be within 48 hours," Ellsworth said. "We do a nasal swab here to determine if a person has the flu, so we know the results right away."
Ellsworth said a common thing that happens is people confuse a cold with the flu. While both have similar symptoms, they have important differences. Flu happens very suddenly, with an abrupt, significant onset while colds come on slowly and with mild symptoms. Flu infections involve a fever of 100 degrees and greater with a cough and sore throat. Colds may result in a low-grade fever. In addition to respiratory symptoms, individuals with the flu often have chills, body aches and feel extremely exhausted.
The flu duration is anywhere from a few days to two weeks. Colds sometimes linger longer than the flu would, but cold symptoms are more mild overall. Lastly, the flu may result in serious complications like pneumonia and can lead to hospitalization. Colds generally do not lead to hospitalization.
Ellsworth had some advice to give to individuals who will not be getting flu shots this season and those who do get the flu.
"They need to make sure they protect themselves by covering their cough and washing their hands. I still would encourage people to get it due to the 70-90 percent effectiveness of avoiding the flu," Ellsworth said. "Those who do get the flu should rest, get plenty of fluids and take Tylenol. If they get to their physician's office soon enough, they can get antivirals started. They should also not go out in public to avoid spreading it around and wash their hands often and cover their coughs."
Flu vaccines are available at various places in the community and individuals are encouraged to call their physician to make an appointment.
Those that go to the Boone County Family Medicine clinic will be able to receive their flu vaccinations there. The vaccine is $25 and insurance will be filed for the shot.
Those getting flu shots are encouraged to wear a short-sleeved shirt. Vaccinations will be available at BCFM on Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m., and again on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 5-8 p.m. To make an appointment, call 432-2335.
|
|
