Your Health Matters
By Claudia Parks, R.N.

It's not too late- to get this year's flu vaccine. I know I have written several articles on the flu and reminding you to get yours vaccination- early. Many people at high risk of flu infection mistakenly believe they're in a low-risk group and, as a result, are much less likely to get a flu shot, according to a researcher from the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill School of Public Health.

There are a lot of folks out there that still think that they will "get the flu" from taking the flu shot! I can remember in the 50's and 60' when the vaccine had what they called live viruses and these did affect a noticeable number of the people that took it- I actually developed a 104º temperature within ten hours of taking a flu shot and remained sick for several days. This provoked me into refusing to take the vaccine for a number of years. However, I caught the "for sure flu" in February 1970.

The U.S. was having an epidemic (winter1969 & 70) and over the holidays I was working in the emergency room, which was near the airport- we were overwhelmed with patients, local and those off of the airlines from all over the country. I've never seen so many really sick people in one place at one time- including entire families- no one able to even make a phone call to relatives. There wasn't enough space in the hospitals and we helped traveling families get into motels and a doctor and I checked on them for several days- good Southern Hospitality!

At this time, I was still in the refusing stage of taking the vaccine because of the previous experiences. I was very careful about wearing a mask and washing my hands frequently. As we approached February and the flu rush was dwindling. On this particular day I started off busy, busy, busy, and went to work on the evening shift and while standing listening to a doctor giving some orders--I just kneeled over in a faint! I was burning up with fever! This is how unexpected the flu can hit you!

If you ever catch the flu, it is unforgettable! You feel so bad and have high fever and often nausea and vomiting. The headache, muscle & bone aching (in the back and legs) is the worst! You're not able to do anything- like get your meals or talk on the phone or even care!

The CDC reports that each year, 5 percent to 20 percent of the 300 million people in the United States get the flu. Most people recover in a week or two without serious complications. But more than 200,000 are hospitalized with flu complications, and about 36,000 Americans die each year from the flu. This is not considered pandemic or epidemic. If it were, there would be even more!

Vaccination is still the best protection against influenza and can prevent many illnesses and deaths. Ensuring an adequate, safe, and effective supply of influenza vaccine each year is one of the FDA's highest priorities. New flu vaccine is made each year. The virus mutates, so each year's vaccine may be different from the preceding year's. The vaccine is a blend of three different influenza virus strains, and the formulation depends on the virus strains that are predicted to be circulating that particular flu season.

It takes at least six months to produce a flu vaccine, so early in the year, the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee meets to decide which three strains of the virus should be used. The formulation selected for the 2007-2008 season includes one virus from last year's vaccine and two new viruses.

There is plenty of vaccine this year. Your family doctor may have some and the Public Health Department has a supply. You may have noticed that the different drugstores and some grocery stores have special days that they give a flu shots--for a small fee. I encourage everyone to get the flu vaccine.

Although anyone can come down with the flu, infection rates are highest in children, according to the CDC. Children can spread the virus for twice as long as adults and usually shed more influenza virus, making them flu carriers and sources of infection for others. So you can see how important it is for children to receive the flu vaccine.

We can usually see cases of the flu into the springtime- it is not too late to get your flu shot!! (I got mine at the Health Department and I didn't even feel it and I had no side effects!)

Claudia Parks, RN, is a former doctor's office and emergency room nurse and retired as an educator from Fulton County Schools. She writes Your Health Matters as a public service; the information here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your physician. Claudia and her husband make their home in the beautiful north Georgia Mountains. You may contact Claudia at yhm@windstream.net .