October 2024
![Fall is here and Flu Season is near Leslee B. Cochrane, MD. Executive Medical Director Early fall is the best time to prepare for the upcoming flu season. Each year, the CDC advises that most people over the age of 6 months receive a flu shot, as this is the most effective way to prevent serious complications of the flu. Many people don't understand that each year we face not one; but several "new" strains of the flu virus. That is why it is necessary to take a flu shot each year; because each year the flu shot is specifically formulated to protect against the strains of the virus in circulation at that time. In other words, last years flu shot will not provide protection against this year's flu strains. There are several different flu shots available as well as a flu vaccine that can be administered as a nasal spray and you should consult with your health care provider to determine the right option for you. Some children between 6 months to eight years old may require two doses of flu vaccine spaced at least 4 weeks apart; for everyone else one dose of the flu vaccine id adequate. FOr those who don't like taking shots, there is a nasal spray vaccine available for healthy patient's age 2 through 49 years old. Because this vaccine contains a live virus, it is not approved for use in those who are pregnant or patients with a compromised immune system. For those under age 65, there is no preferred recommendation for the CDC regarding the various flu shots available. For those 65 and older, there are three influenza vaccines which are preferred as studies show that these vaccines are more effective than the standard flu vaccines: - The Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine - The Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant influenza vaccine - The Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted influenza vaccine I have included some additional information taken from the CDC Website below [i] which will provide you with additional helpful information when considering if a flu shot is right for you. Taking the flu shot has been shown to decrease the need for visits to the doctor due to flu related symptoms by 40-60%, so it is definitely worth considering. People who SHOULD NOT get a flu shot include: Children younger than 6 months of age are too young to get a flu shot. People with severe, life-threatening allergies to any ingredient in a vaccine, including flu vaccine (other than egg proteins), should not get that vaccine. This might include gelatin, antibiotics, or other ingredients. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a dose of influenza vaccine should not get that flu vaccine again and might not be able to receive other influenza vaccines. If you have had a severe allergic reaction to an influenza vaccine in the past, it is important to talk with your health care provider to help determine whether vaccination is appropriate for you. Please speak to a health care provider in order to decide if this shot or vaccine is right for you.](https://hospiceofthevalleys.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/fall-flu-season-is-here.jpg)
October 2024
