Published: May 29, 2007 02:46 pm      

Preparing for Flu Season

Somerset — Make no mistake: The flu is not to be taken lightly. The flu, or Influenza, kills 36,000 people annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and hospitalizes 200,000. The best way to prevent the flu? Get vaccinated.

Yeah, nobody likes to get a shot, but getting stuck with a needle can help save your life, especially if you’re an individual who isn’t in prime physical condition. And people in the Lake Cumberland area are taking advantage of this remedy.

According to Peggy Tiller, Director of Nurses with the Lake Cumberland District Health Department, 12,000 doses of the vaccination have been ordered and already received, at least in part, for the 10 counties her organization services — including, of course, Pulaski County. And, she says, they expect to use them all.

“Unfortunately, the annual supply of flu vaccine and the timing of its distribution cannot be guaranteed in any year,” Tiller informed. “Flu vaccine distribution delays or vaccine shortages remain possible in part because of the inherent critical time constraints in manufacturing the vaccine given the annual updating of the vaccine strains.”

However, she added, “There is no anticipated shortage of flu vaccine this flu season. If the supply of vaccine is delayed and/or reduced, the CDC will implement a contingency plan for the timing and prioritization of administering Influenza vaccine, to ensure optimal use of available doses. Again, there is no shortage of flu vaccine predicted.”

Although there’s a perception that it’s primarily the elderly getting vaccinations, young and old alike are at risk of the flu. Among those who should strongly consider getting vaccinated are: children ages 6-59 months; pregnant women; individuals over 50 years of age; anyone who lives with certain chronic medical conditions; and anyone who lives with or cares for persons who are at-risk themselves.

“Influenza viruses cause disease among all age groups,” said Tiller. “Rates of infection are highest among children, but rates of serious illness and death are highest among persons over 65 years of age, children less than two years and persons of any age who have medical conditions that place them at increased risk for complication form Influenza.”

How does one get the flu, though?

Tiller explained that flu viruses spread from person to person via “respiratory droplet transmission” — that is, when “an infected person coughs or sneezes in close proximity to an uninfected person.” The average incubation period for the flu is only a couple of days.

“Flu vaccination is the primary method for preventing Influenza and its severe complications. It is also wise to practice good health habits, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising daily, and getting sufficient rest,” Tiller added. “More importantly, take these common sense steps to stop the spread of germs: wash your hands frequently with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, and stay away from others as much as possible if you are sick.”

Tiller warned, however, that vaccination doses tend to come in phases, and providers may not see their entire order come in until after November — and are urged to keep offering immunizations past January.

Noted Tiller, “Vaccinating beyond November is important and beneficial because the peak of Influenza disease typically occurs in February or later. Please contact your local health department for the availability of flu vaccine. ... The goal of (the Lake Cumberland District Health Department) is to keep the community informed and provide the flu vaccine to our community as it comes available. ”

For answers to your questions regarding the flu and what you can do to prevent it, call 606-679-4416. n