Be prepared for upcoming flu season

Red Willow County Health

Department

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Summer is winding down and school has begun. Another flu season will soon be upon us.

Each year brings a different combination of flu viruses. We must prepare for the flu season and protect ourselves and our loved ones from this disease.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older get a yearly flu vaccine. They advise that a flu vaccine each year is "the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease."

What is the flu?

The flu (influenza) is a virus that infects the nose, throat, windpipe and lungs. It is spread very easily from one person to the next by coughing, sneezing, and talking. Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, congestion, cough, runny nose, muscle aches and trouble breathing. Though other viruses can cause these symptoms, the influenza virus is a more common cause of serious, fatal pneumonia.

Why do I need a flu shot every year?

Flu viruses are constantly changing and it is very common for new strains to appear each year. Changes can occur in the viruses even during a given flu season.

Because of these changes, different combinations of flu viruses are contained in the flu vaccine each flu season. The vaccine is developed to protect against the main flu strains that research has shown will cause the most illness during the current flu season. Everyone should get vaccinated for the flu each year.

When should I get my flu shot?

Getting the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available is advised in order to protect yourself and those around you. Your protection from the vaccine should last throughout the season. However, your age, general health and the antigen used in the vaccine does effect the level and length of protection you will receive.

How long does the flu season last?

The timing of the flu season varies year to year, beginning as early as October and continuing as late as May. Peak months of flu activity in the U.S. are generally January or February. There is plenty of time to get your flu shot, but the sooner the better!

What type of flu shot is for me?

Different types of flu vaccines are available depending on the age and the health status of each person receiving the vaccine.

Most flu vaccines are injectable (shots) and are made from inactivated or "killed" viruses. Live, weakened virus is used in the flu vaccine given as a nasal spray. This weakened virus can grow in the nose, but not in the lungs. It produces an excellent protective immune response without causing disease.

There are injectable vaccines for infants and toddlers six months through three years, high-dose vaccine recommended for ages 65 and over, flu-mist (live, weakened) vaccine, nasal spray (for ages 2 through 49 years) and intra-dermal (between the skin layers) flu vaccines for ages 18 through 64 years.

Traditional flu vaccine remains available as an intramuscular injection for everyone.

For questions and appointments regarding your flu vaccines, please call the Red Willow County Health Department at 308-345-1790 or 1-877-250-2057 or stop by our office located at 1400 W. Fifth at the Red Willow Fairgrounds, Ag Complex in McCook.