Influenza Vaccination Week starts on December 3rd
12/5/2017
Statesboro, GA, November 30, 2017 – The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) established National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) in 2005 to remind people that, even though the holiday season has begun, it’s NOT too late to get a flu shot. This year, NIVW is scheduled for December 3rd through the 9th. A second goal of the observance week is to communicate to those who are at the highest risk of complications if they acquire the flu.
“Being protected against the flu virus is very important, especially for people at high risk,” says Delene Musielak, MD, at East Georgia Internal Medicine & Pediatrics. “For the high risk population, being infected with the flu could result in hospitalization or even death. The influenza vaccination remains the first line of defense and an imperative first step to take for protection.”
According to the CDC, people in the highest risk categories include:
- Children under the age of 5, but especially those under age 2
- Adults over the age of 65
- Pregnant women, and up to 2 weeks postpartum
- Residents of nursing homes and long term care facilities
- People with chronic medical conditions, including but not limited to asthma, diabetes and heart and lung diseases
- Those with weakened immune systems due to medications or medical conditions
- Obese patients – those with a BMI over 40
- Alaskan and American Indian natives also appear to be at higher risk
While the focus on immunization is not necessarily new, there are some new developments and recommendations for the 2017 flu season. First, the CDC reports that available vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses. Second, the recommendation to NOT use the nasal spray vaccine has been renewed this year – only injectable flu shots should be used for all populations.
“Our priority is to prevent the spread of the flu virus in as many people as possible,” Dr. Musielak added. “However, if necessary, our medical staff is prepared to respond quickly to any high risk patients who contract the virus. Have a discussion with your physician to determine the best type of influenza vaccine for you, and don’t delay in getting medical care if you suspect that you or a family member are infected with the flu virus.”
“So far in 2017, East Georgia Regional Medical Center has seen a total of 29 positive flu tests in the hospital for the 2017-2018 influenza season,” says Dawn Cheney, RN, BSN, Infection Control Practitioner at East Georgia Regional Medical Center. “This does not include quick tests that are performed in physician practices.”
According to the CDC’s weekly flu report, Georgia is experiencing a moderate activity of Influenza Like Illness (ILI) as of November 18th for the 2017-18 Influenza Season. The map below is shows the national activity level by state. “Although we have moderate activity at this time, it is important to remember as we get into the holiday season we intermingle with larger groups of people; and for that reason we often see an increase in ILI during and after the holidays,” stated Cheney. “It is not too late to get a flu shot to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu.”
To schedule an appointment quickly with a physician who can test for the influenza virus, visit MyEastGeorgiaDoctors.com.
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