Influenza Vaccine

Time to Consider the Influenza Vaccine

If you wear medical alert jewellery because you have an underlying medical condition the likelihood is that you should consider having an annual influenza shot.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have just approved the vaccine for this year’s influenza season. Seasonal Flu is highly infectious and directly affects the respiratory system.

Research is carried out each year in order to try to anticipate which strains of the virus are likely to be more prevalent in the coming season. A vaccine is then made to inoculate against those particular strains. The vaccine usually provides about 70-80% protection against those given viruses. The vaccine also greatly reduces the risk of pneumonia as a complication of contracting seasonal flu.

Vaccination against influenza should be a critical consideration for those who are at risk. If you suffer from any of the following conditions or are at all concerned, you should speak to your physician about having the shot when it is made available in the fall:

COPD, Asthma, Bronchitis

Chronic Heart Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Liver Disease

Chronic Neurological Disease

Diabetes

A weakened immune system

Influenza leads to approximately 36,000 deaths per year in America and the hospitalization of more than 200,000 people. Karen Midthun, M.D., acting director of FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research states,

“The best way to protect yourself and your family against influenza is to get vaccinated every year. The availability of a new seasonal influenza vaccine each year is an important tool in the prevention of influenza related illnesses and death.”

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Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Influenza Wikipedia

New York Times Flu Health Guide

Blogs:

MedWire News – Respiratory – Greater promotion of flu vaccination …
Influenza Vaccine Special Meeting