Flu season is approaching, and the Clatsop County Health and Human
Services Department is again offering vaccines to local citizens.
Clinics will be held Wednesdays Nov. 12 and 19 and Dec. 10 and 17 at
the health department office at 820 Exchange St., Astoria. Times are 1
p.m. to 4 p.m. for adults and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for children.
The clinics are open on a walk-in basis, although people can also make
an appointment in the general clinic by calling (503) 325-8500. Cost is
$30.
Both the flu shot and the nasal flu spray vaccine (FluMist) will be
available, based upon screening and current guidelines. Flu shots will
not be given to individuals who are allergic to eggs or who report a
history of previous adverse reactions after getting the flu vaccine.
In any given year, the optimal time to get vaccinated cannot be
precisely determined because influenza seasons vary in their timing and
duration, and more than one outbreak might occur in a single community
in a single year. In the United States, localized outbreaks that
indicate the start of seasonal influenza activity can occur as early as
October. However, in most influenza seasons since 1976, peak influenza
activity has not occurred until January or later, and in more than half
of the seasons, the peak was in February or later, according to the
Centers for Disease Control.
Vaccination efforts should continue throughout the season, because the
duration of the influenza season varies, and influenza might not appear
in certain communities until February or March. Vaccine administered in
December or later, even if influenza activity has already begun, is
likely to be beneficial in the majority of influenza seasons. The
majority of adults have antibody protection against influenza virus
infection within 2 weeks after vaccination.
All children aged 6 months to 8 years who have not received vaccination
against influenza previously should receive their first dose as soon
after vaccine becomes available as is feasible. This practice increases
the opportunity for both doses to be administered before or shortly
after the onset of influenza activity.
Influenza is a serious disease, and people of any age can get it. In an
average year, the flu causes 36,000 deaths (mostly among those aged 65
years or older) and more than 200,000 hospitalizations in the United
States. The "flu season" in the United States is usually from November
through April each year. During this time, flu viruses are circulating
in the population.
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu
can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended that certain people
should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high
risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care
for those at high risk for serious complications.
People who should get vaccinated each year are:
· Children aged 6 months up to their 19 years old
· Pregnant women
· Adults over 50 years old
· People with certain chronic medical conditions
· People living in nursing homes and other long-term care
facilities
· People who live with or care for those at high risk for
complications from flu.
Along with the vaccine, there are several other steps people can take
to avoid getting the flu or other respiratory illnesses.
· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze, then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
· Wash your hands often.
· Get plenty of sleep and physical activity, drink plenty of water
and eat a good diet that includes fruits and vegetables.
· If you are sick, stay home and take care of yourself.
For more information on protecting yourself and your family from
influenza, go to the website of the Centers for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/flu
