The flu (medically referred to as influenza) is not something to be taken lightly, even though many of us seem to have become somewhat blasé about it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), five to twenty percent of the population is infected with the flu virus annually, while more than 200 000 people each year are hospitalised for flu complications.
By definition, the flu is a highly infectious respiratory viral infection effortlessly spread from person to person through secretions of the nose and lungs (in other words through sneezing and coughing). Contrary to other viral respiratory infections, symptoms of the flu are severe and prolonged, stressing the body and making it vulnerable to super-infections which, in the elderly and very young, can cause death. All-in-all the flu, and the spread thereof, is something you should prevent at all costs.
The answer is simple: research has shown a quick jab of the flu vaccine can prevent flu in about 70% - to 90% of healthy adults under the age of 65. In children between the ages of one and fifteen, studies have shown the efficacy of flu vaccines to be between 77% and 91% in preventing flu. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine in preventing flu in people over the age of 65 is considerably lower, however it is highly effective in preventing secondary complications, hospitalisations and death amongst this age group.
Anybody who'd like to reduce their risk of being infected by the flu and prevent themselves from being a spreader of the flu can get vaccinated. However, there are certain groups of people that the CDC recommends get vaccinated annually - these are generally people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from the flu and those who are in prime position to spread the flu to high risk people.
It is recommended that the following groups of people be vaccinated annually:
Adults 50 years of age and older;
Children between the ages of 6 months and four years;
Adults and children with the following conditions: chronic pulmonary disorders; renal, hepatic, hematological and metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disorders (excluding hypertension though);
Adults and children who have immunosuppression;
Adults and children who have any condition compromising respiratory function;
Residents of nursing homes and chronic-care facilities;
Caregivers of children under five years of age and adults over 50 years of age, especially those in contact with children under six months of age;
And caregivers of persons who are at high risk of developing severe complications caused by the flu.
People who should avoid flu vaccines are those with an allergy to eggs; who have a history of hypersensitivity to the vaccine and those who have recently been ill with a fever.
It is recommended that you get vaccinated annually as the influenza virus changes a little bit each year, making the previous year's vaccine obsolete. This means each year scientists (fairly accurately) predict which strains of influenza will cause infections and prepare the appropriate vaccine accordingly. Medical practitioners advise getting your vaccination as soon as the new year's vaccine is released. It can, however, be taken at anytime during flu season, bearing in mind that it takes two weeks from the time of administration for the vaccine to become effective.
More good news for those who are planning on traveling abroad is that the vaccine is developed by the World Health Organisation and therefore is effective no matter where you are. The flu vaccine is available at all Clicks+ Clinics all year round.
To further help you combat the virus Clicks are throwing in a free container of vitamin C tablets when you get your flu jab from 02 March until 31 July 2009 while stocks last.
To get your annual flu jab visit www.clicks.co.za to locate your nearest Clicks+ Clinic
References: http://www.medicinenet.com/flu_vaccination/page4.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/flu_vaccination/page5.htm
http://www.umm.edu/features/flu_vac.htm
