It is that time of the year again. It is recommended per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that routine annual influenza vaccination be given to all persons greater than 6 months old who do not have contraindications before the end of October. This vaccination should be given optimally before the onset of influenza or flu activity and can take up to 2 weeks before the vaccination for protection. As of 9/29/2017 there were already 26 confirmed influenza cases from ten counties in Montana including Cascade County but no confirmed cases in Chouteau or Hill Counties. Last year Montana’s influenza activity increased in mid-December and remained elevated for 20 weeks with peak activity from January 21 to February 4. There were a total of 7,935 confirmed cases, 829 hospitalizations and 56 deaths attributed to influenza It is essential to get vaccinated as it is the best way to prevent becoming ill and spreading the virus to people that are unable to get the vaccination. The influenza virus is transmitted through the tiny droplets made when a person coughs, sneezes, or even talks to another person. This makes it easy for the virus to spread to family and/or friends.
Who should get vaccinated? As above, it is recommended that all persons greater than 6 months old become vaccinated. There is currently a high dose flu shot that is approved and recommended for anyone over the age of 65. Those at increased risk for influenza include individuals with asthma, diabetes, chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and younger children.
Why do I have to be vaccinated this year when I was vaccinated last year? You are recommended to have annual vaccination because every year the circulating virus as well as the vaccine changes. The vaccine that was given last year will not protect you from the influenza virus this year. This year’s vaccine has been updated to protect you from what the expected influenza virus will be.
What else can I do to prevent the flu? First and foremost, the influenza vaccination is a great line of defense. Other preventative measures that can help stop the spread of the virus include washing your hands with soap and water, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze as the droplets can contaminate your hands and finally limit contact with others that are sick.
What happens if I get influenza? The symptoms that you need to watch for include fever, cough, headache, sore throat and muscle aches. The symptoms can range from no symptoms to being fatal. Treatment includes pain and fever reduction medication, increased hydration, and cough suppressants. If you present to your primary care provider within 48 hours of symptom onset, you may receive an antiviral called Tamiflu. This may reduce your symptom duration by 1 day.
In conclusion, the influenza vaccination is not 100% guaranteed to prevent influenza, but may reduce the symptoms and length of the illness. I recommend that you get your influenza shot now as the vaccination is currently available at Big Sandy Medical Center. While you are getting your vaccination you may be asked about colorectal cancer and screening as well. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States and early detection and treatment does save lives. Colorectal cancer screening is recommended between the age of 50 and 75. If you are not up to date with your screening, please speak with the nurse about how to get this up to date and different options now available.
