Flu Season Returns, Experts Urging People to Get Vaccinated
Flu season is here. A lot of people have mixed feelings about getting vaccinated but what do doctors say about it?
The Centers for Disease Control states estimated 57,000 people died from the flu and pneumonia, in the United States, in 2013.
“We usually recommend through October and through February we’re giving shots, but this is the best time of the year to get it. You wanna get it a little bit before the flu hits,” Redicare Physician at Mountain View Dr. Brad Speakman said.
For years, flu vaccines were designed to protect against three different strains, according to the CDC.
However, clinics like Redicare at Mountain View Hospital carries one vaccine that protects against four flu strains. This means more protection.
“The ones we’re carrying is a quadrivalant. So, it has two A strains,like the trivalant, a B strain, like the trivalant, and then it has an additional B strain,” Director of Pharmacy at Mountain View Hospital Whitney Kooley said.
How is this determined?
“The CDC and the WHO do an investigation usually over in Asia,” Kooley said. “They take the most common of those or what they think is going to be the strains that are going to make it to the U.S.”
Dr. Speakman said those who have a weaker immune system are more prone to get the flu.
“People who have cancer, the young, meaning probably less than four and then elderly greater than 65,” Dr. Brad Speakman said.
This can also mean complications can be worse and sometimes even deadly.
Some people like the peace of mind of getting the shot.
“I get a flu shot every year because I can’t take the time off to be sick,” Laura Lewis said.
Lewis also tries to make sure her co-workers are covered as well.
“I feel so strongly about this that I’m willing to pay for the shots for my employees to be sure that they get them every year,” Lewis said.
The same thing cannot be said for one woman.
“I’ve just never gotten the flu vaccine. I’ve known a lot of people that have gotten it and have gotten very ill from it. I’m usually pretty healthy so I guess until things change, I won’t be worried about it,” Vera Gillespie said.
As for the nasal flu vaccine, that is out of the question this year, because the CDC said it has been ineffective the last two years, in children, against the H1N1 strain.
You can get a flu shot at any of your local clinics or hospitals:
Redicare at Mountain View – $30 Community Family Clinic – $20 Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) – FREE (for patients and volunteers)
To check to monitor the flu in your area, click here.
