With summer vacations coming to an end and students going back to school, flu season, which normally begins in November and runs through March, is just around the corner.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, an average of five to 20 percent of Americans contract the flu each year and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications. The CDC has determined that vaccinations are the single most effective way to stay protected from the flu and it strongly encourages all individuals to get vaccinated annually.
Who is at risk?
Generally, individuals who are faced with a higher risk of complications from the flu include people who:
• Are 50 years of age or older.
• Have chronic or long-term health problems, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and emphysema.
• Have weakened immune systems from conditions such as cancer or HIV/AIDS.
• Are pregnant during flu season.
• Are children and adolescents between the ages of six months and 18 years.
• Are healthcare personnel and caregivers who come in contact with infected individuals
Contrary to a popular myth, you cannot get the flu from the vaccine since it is made from inactive influenza viruses. Keep in mind that even if you received a flu shot last year, you still need to receive another one this year to remain protected. Each year the flu strain changes and a new vaccine is developed to provide the best possible protection.
Where do you get your shot?
Every fall, millions of people across the country get vaccinated to protect themselves from influenza. One of the easiest ways to receive your vaccination and stay healthy is by visiting one of the more than 44,000 flu shot clinics sponsored by Maxim Health Systems.
To find a flu clinic in your area and learn about flu season from other great resources, visit www.findaflushot.com, where you can find information about:
• Flu immunization clinics located across the nation. These clinics are easily accessible and often held in local pharmacies, grocery stores, or retail establishments.
• Wellness Services with preventive care for corporations, Physicians, colleges, travel agencies, senior living facilities, and the general public.
• Flu News and Resources about H1N1 (“Swine Flu”), related links, frequently asked questions, and a media center with announcements and press releases. You can even sign up for flu e-mail updates.
• Best of all, when you are on the findaflushot.com Web site, you can use the Flu Shot Locator that will start listing local clinics on September 1st. Any time after that date, just type in your zip code and the dates you will need a shot. In seconds, it will show you the locations of clinics in your area where you can get a vaccination for the 2009-10 vaccination season. For your convenience, you may also schedule a reminder and Maxim will notify you via e-mail to check the Flu Shot Locator to find a location for the upcoming flu season once clinics are available.
The best offense against the flu is a good defense. Schedule your flu shot soon to be immunized for this year’s strains.