The flu is a contagious, respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Each year from 5% to 20% of the U.S. population gets the flu, resulting in about 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths from complications. Older people, young children and people with certain health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease are at high risk for flu complications. Flu viruses spread primarily person-to-person through coughing or sneezing. Flu can also be transmitted by touching something with flu viruses on it then touching the mouth or nose. People are contagious about 1 day before symptoms begin through about 5 days after becoming ill, so people can spread the disease before they realize they are sick themselves. Symptoms of the flu include fever (sometimes very high), headache, extreme fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches and stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Stomach symptoms are more common in children than adults. Complications of the flu include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year. There are two types of flu vaccine. The "flu shot" is an inactivated vaccine of killed virus given by injection. The flu shot is indicated for people over 6 months of age, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions. The nasal spray vaccine is made of live, weakened virus. It is indicated for healthy people age 2 to 49. It is not give to pregnant women. In general, anyone who wishes to reduce their risk of getting the flu can be vaccinated. People who are at high risk for serious flu-related complications should be vaccinated every year. Also, people who live with or care for those who are high risk should also be vaccinated. Current CDC recommendations are that all children between 6 months and 19 years old, pregnant women, people over 50 years old, all people with chronic medical conditions, people in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, and people who live with or care for people who are high risk should get vaccinated every year. During years of anticipated vaccine shortage, these people should be given priority for available vaccine. There is no anticipated shortage of vaccine this year. People who should not be vaccinated include those with severe allergies to chicken eggs, people who have had a severe reaction to flu vaccine in the past, people who have developed Guillain-Barre syndrome after getting flu vaccine, and children under 6 months old. Also people with moderate to severe illness accompanied by fever should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen.

People should get vaccinated as soon as vaccine is available and throughout the flu season (January or beyond) because the timing and duration of flu outbreaks can vary. They can start as early as October but most often peak in January or later.

We will offer flu shots at the Total Health and Wellness Center of Taos for $25.00 beginning Monday, October 13 through Friday, October 17 or while supplies last. Vaccination hours are 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Vaccinations are available without an appointment.

Reference: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm.

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