Flu Season Facts 2010-2011

What is the flu (or influenza)?

The Flu is caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs.  The flu usually spreads through the air from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

Your child may be exposed to two different types of flu infections. The “seasonal” flu is the usual influenza that occurs every year. The “H1N1” flu, commonly known as “the Swine Flu”, is a newer virus so more individuals are susceptible to becoming ill.

Both strains of the flu can cause mild or severe illness, and at times death. The risk of getting a severe case of the flu is about the same for both strains of virus.

What are the symptoms of the common "seasonal" flu?

• Fever, headache, tiredness (extreme), sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches

What are the symptoms of the H1N1 (Swine Flu)?

• Cough, nausea, chills, and diarrhea

Flu Prevention

How do I reduce the risk of getting the flu and other viral respiratory infections?

• Wash hands often, especially during winter months when the flu is most common
• Keep hands away from nose, eyes, and mouth. Viruses are most likely to enter the body through these areas.
• Stop smoking. It irritates the lining of the nose, sinuses, and lungs, which may make the body susceptible to complications of the flu and also could affect your child's health.

The "Seasonal" and H1N1 Flu Information:

What types of vaccines are there?

•  There are the two vaccine options during this flu season; an injectable vaccine and the FluMist ® nasal spray. FluMist is a live influenza virus vaccine administered intranasally. Both delivery methods protect against H1N1 and the Seasonal Flu.  There is no separate flu vaccine available this year for H1N1 or seasonal.
  • The injection can be given to anyone over the age of 6 months old and is generally covered by  insurance. 
  • The FluMist® is for healthy persons 2 years – 49 years, but generally not covered by insurance.
  • Persons with severe egg allergy, prior severe reaction to flu vaccine or a history of Guillain-  Barre Syndrome should not receive the flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. Please let your doctor know about any egg allergies or a history of Guillain - Barre Syndrome before making your appointment.

Who should receive the Seasonal Flu Vaccine?
The CDC recommends the flu vaccine for all persons over the age of 6 months old.  However, the following groups are at particularly high risk and are strongly encouraged to receive the flu vaccine:

• Pregnant women,
• Persons who live with or provide care for infants aged <6 months (e.g., parents, siblings, and daycare providers),
• Health-care and emergency medical services personnel,
• Persons who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications

How many shots are required?
Infants and children 6 months through 8 years old, who are receiving the vaccine for the first time, or who did not receive at least one dose of 2009 H1N1 vaccine, need 2 vaccinations given at least 4 weeks apart.   All other high risk groups require only one vaccination.