Flu Shot Time Again

Wednesday, October 06, 2004

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Get your flu shot. Each fall, the message is the same. If you're one of the many who ignore the reminder, you might want to think again.

The October issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource offers these flu facts:

* About 10 to 20 percent of people in the United States get the flu (influenza) every year. It's a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system and can cause fever, chills, fatigue, congestion and muscle aches.

* The flu can cause life-threatening complications, especially in older people. More than 100,000 people are hospitalized every year and 36,000 die of the flu and its complications.

* Getting a shot before the start of the flu season — which typically runs from November to March — offers the best protection against the illness.

* Shots are recommended every year because the viruses that cause the flu constantly change.

* Even with a vaccination, you still might get the flu. You could become infected with a strain of the flu that's not covered by the vaccine. If you get sick, the vaccine may reduce the number of days you're sick, the severity of the illness and your chance of dying from the flu.

* The Centers for Disease Control recommends flu shots for people with the highest risk of complications. These include people age 50 and older and those with diabetes, chronic cardiovascular or lung disease, or an impaired immune system. The recommendation includes health care workers. If you're allergic to chicken eggs or have ever had an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine, check with your doctor before getting a shot.

Mayo Clinic Jacksonville - Erik Kaldor 904-953-2299

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

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