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EMERGENCY ONE News Releases
September 30, 2002

Flu Facts for Everyone

Influenza (flu) is a disease of the lungs and it can lead to pneumonia. Each year about 114,000 people in the United States are hospitalized and about 20,000 people die because of the flu. Most who die are over 65 years old. But small children less than 2 years old are as likely as those over 65 to have to go to the hospital because of the flu. The flu shot cannot give you the flue. Flu vaccines are, in fact, made from killed influenza viruses. The flu shot usually protects people from the flu. However, the flu shot will not protect you from other viruses that can cause illnesses and/or symptoms that often feel like the flu. No vaccine is 100% effective. However, if you receive the flu shot and still get the flu, your condition is less likely to be as serious as it would be without protection.

The worse side effect you are likely to receive from the flu shot is a sore arm. The risk of a rare allergic reaction is far less than the risk of a severe complication from influenza.

If you are allergic to eggs (used in making the vaccine), are very ill with a high fever, or have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past, you might not be able to receive a flu vaccination.

The flu shot can be given before, or during the flu season. While the best time to receive this vaccination is October or November, a flu shot in December will still protect you from the flu.]

The flu vaccine is currently available at Emergency One. No appointment necessary.

Source: CDC web site (www.cdc.gov/nip/Public.html)

Healthy Living

Good Health Habits for Preventing the Flu

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits and antiviral medications are other measures that can help protect against the flu.

Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.