LIFE

Here's all you need to know about flu shots

Stephen Streed
Special to The News-Press

Flu season is unpredictable and varies from year to year. It can begin as early as October and last until May, making now the time to take action. Hand hygiene is important and keeps us from picking up viruses, but the single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated yearly.

Anyone six months or older should get vaccinated, especially caregivers and healthcare workers, and individuals who are at high risk for complications.

Flu viruses are constantly changing, so research dictates which strains to include in vaccines.  If the vaccine strains are closely matched to viruses circulating then the vaccine will be more effective as is the case this year, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) officials.

Age and health also play a role.  Anyone six months or older should get vaccinated, especially caregivers and healthcare workers, and individuals who are at high risk for complications due to pregnancy, chronic disease, and age (under 5 or over 65).  About 90 percent of flu related deaths occur in people 65 and older.  Consult a physician before vaccination to discuss any health risks or possible side effects.

Lee Memorial Health System’s Convenient Care locations, primary care offices, the health department and local pharmacies are offering flu vaccines.  Today there are more options than ever:

Trivalent vaccines

Protection:Three viruses; two influenza  A  (H1N1 and H3N2) and an influenza B virus.  For the most part, both the trivalent and quadrivalent (described below) vaccines are grown in eggs.  Cell cultured and recombinant shots (egg-free options) are approved for people 18 and older.

Options:

  • Standard dose needle injection, usually in the arm.  Approved for people of all ages, some for children as young as 6 months.
  • Intradermal injections go into the skin rather than the muscle.  The needle is much smaller and uses less antigen than other flu shots.  Approved for adults, 18 to 64 years old. 
  • Jet injector devices use pressure to force the vaccine into the skin rather than a needle.  Approved for adults 18 to 64 years of age.
  • High-dose shots are approved for those 65 and older. They contain four times the antigen to create a stronger immune response. 

Quadrivalent vaccines

Protection:  Four viruses (two influenza A and two B viruses) to provide broader defense.  Don’t delay vaccination if a quadrivalent is not available.  Trivalent protection is very effective and waiting is not worth risking the flu.  Also, these can be more costly and they are grown in eggs.

Options:

  • Standard dose needle injection
  • Intradermal injections
  • Nasal sprays are available for people 2 to 49 years of age.  Because this form of vaccine uses live attenuated (weakened) flu viruses rather than the inactivated viruses found in the injectable vaccines, there are precautions that need to be discussed with your care provider before using the nasal option. 

 Help prevent the virus from spreading

  • Wash your hands.  The flu virus spreads primarily through droplets from coughing, talking or sneezing.  Hand washing with soap and warm water (or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer) can help. Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched. 
  • Note symptoms.  Similar to a cold in the beginning, but eventually becoming more severe with the flu.  If you’re lucky enough to be diagnosed within the first 48 hours, you might be eligible for flu meds.  They won’t cure the flu, but can lessen symptoms and aid in recovery.
  • Stay home.  If you suspect you have the flu, it’s important that you avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the virus. 

Each year in the United States, flu results in an estimated 226,000 hospital admissions and as many as 36,000 preventable deaths.  Lee Memorial Health System is once again requiring all employees and volunteers to participate in the flu vaccination program to ensure that we protect our patients, staff and community from the flu.

Stephen Streed is System Director of Epidemiology and Infection Prevention for Lee Memorial Health System.