FLU AND PNEUMONIA VACCINES

FLU VACCINE
Each year in the U.S., an average of 36,000 people die, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized from serious flu-related complications. The flu is a contagious disease caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and can even lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk for serious flu complications. Influenza is contagious and spreads mainly from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes near others. People also may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it, and then touching their mouth or nose.

In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. However, because the symptoms of flu can seem the same as symptoms of other illnesses, it can be very difficult to know if a respiratory infection is caused by the flu virus or not. A doctor can tell you for sure. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children, in particular, may get sinus and ear infections.

Vaccination is the single best way to protect yourself and people you love from influenza.
The flu vaccine is safe and effective and cannot give you influenza. Certain people, including those age 65 years and older, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and very young children are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications. So, it is especially important that these people and those living with or in close contact with them get a flu vaccine each year.

Influenza is unpredictable. We do not know when the flu season will begin or how severe it will be. Influenza season can begin as early as October and can last as late as May. However, winter is usually the prime time for influenza. Flu activity peaked in January or later during 26 of the past 30 influenza seasons. Record amounts of flu vaccine are expected this season, so consult your doctor or health clinic about when they will have vaccine, and then schedule an appointment to get you and your loved ones vaccinated.

PNEUMONIA VACCINE
Pneumococcal disease is a serious disease that
causes much sickness and death. In fact, pneumococcal
disease kills more people in the United States each year
than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined.
Anyone can get pneumococcal disease. However, some
people are at greater risk from the disease. These include
people 65 and older, the very young, and people with
special health problems such as alcoholism, heart or lung
disease, kidney failure, diabetes, HIV infection, or
certain types of cancer. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV)protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria.

All adults 65 years of age or older and people over 2 years of age who have a long-term health problem, disease or condition that lowers the body's resistance to infection,
who is taking any drug or treatment that lowers the body's resistance to infection, Alaskan Natives and certain Native American populations should receive PPV.

For more information on influenza, pneumococcal, and other vaccines, click here or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov.