Fall is creeping up on us and with it comes more indoor activities and the opportunity to be in near proximity to those with infectious diseases.  It is still early but we need to starting thinking about the flu and possible prevention of this unwanted ailment.  Flu viruses are prevalent and generally circulate in the US from late fall to early spring.  While the flu may seem like an innocuous disease and an inconvenience that really leaves no long term effects, in some high risk groups (elderly, chronically ill, young), this disease can result in significant illness, hospitalization and death.  It is estimated that over 80,000 people in the US died from influenza during the 2017-2018 season. 

Important information

The  CDC publishes a report called the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).  This report is an in depth summation of the infectious disease issues in this country.  The link above takes you to the report released on 08/23/2019 for Influenza.  It is pretty long winded so I will summarize the highlights.

1.  Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged ≥6 months who do not have contraindications.

2.  Inactivated influenza vaccines (IIVs), recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV), and live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) are expected to be available for the 2019–20 season.

3.  Tri-valent vaccines will contain 2 type A strains (an H1N1 and a H2N3) and one Type B strain.  Quadrivalent vaccines will contain an additional Type B strain.

4.  It is recommended that all persons be vaccinated by the end of October. 

5.  There should be vaccines available for all categories of patients.

I have posted two articles in the past about the flu.  I will list them here.  They contain good information.

Influenza and the Influenza vaccine

How many people died of the flu

I have noticed businesses already pushing the flu shot.  It is too early.  While it is good to be vaccinated prior to the onset of illness in the community, vaccinating too early can lead to ineffective coverage later in the season.  I recommend waiting on vaccination until October.

If you have questions, comment here or call 270-997-4040.