The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that with onset of the "Cold and Flu Season;" often comes many questions about how individuals can best protect themselves from the flu. Therefore, we offer the following questions and answers about flu prevention and the advantages of flu vaccination.
What kind of flu vaccines are there? There are two types of vaccines that protect against the flu. The "flu shot" is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle. A different kind of vaccine, called the nasal-spray flu vaccine contains weakened live viruses, and is administered by nasal spray. The nasal spray vaccine is approved for use only among healthy people between the ages of 5-49 years of age. The flu shot, which is the type of vaccination available at the Health Department flu clinics, is approved for use among people over 6 months of age, including healthy people and those with chronic medical conditions.
Why should people get vaccinated against the flu? Influenza is a serious disease, and people of any age can get it. In an average year, the flu causes 36,000 deaths (mostly among those aged 65 years or older) and more than 200,000 hospitalizations in the United States. The flu season in the United States is usually from November through April each year. During this time, flu viruses are circulating in the population. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get the flu.
When should I get the flu vaccination? The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends that individuals try to get vaccinated in October and November because flu activity in the US generally peaks between late December and early March. However, getting vaccinated in December or even later can still be beneficial since most influenza activity occurs in January or later in most years. Though it varies, flu season can last as late as May.
Who should get vaccinated? In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for high risk persons.
The Health Department reminds area residents that they are holding flu clinics throughout Henry and Stark County. For the date, time and location of the clinic nearest you call the Health Department at (309) 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark).
