Many people who took the flu shot last year still got the flu. Will the same thing happen again this year? No, says the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), who posted the good news on their internet site recently. So far the flu cultures they have isolated are in the flu vaccine this year.
According to Michelle O’Brien, an epidemiologist with Region 1 DHEC, 55% of the flu viruses the CDC isolated last year were not covered in the vaccine which is why we saw so much flu last year. The vaccine was effective against the strains it covered (in other words this was not vaccine failure), but the virus changed too late to be included in last year's vaccine. All three components of the 08-09 flu vaccine have been updated this year.
South Carolina DHEC monitors flu activity through reports of positive rapid flu tests, positive viral cultures and doctor’s visits for influenza like illness. The results can be viewed on their website, http://www.scdhec.gov/health/disease/acute/flu.htm. So far, Abbeville County has not reported any positive flu cultures this season. O’Brien also reports, “We have had a positive flu culture from Greenwood County although influenza activity is below the baseline in the upstate for this time of year.”
According to Laura Baughman, RN, Abbeville Area Medical Center’s Infection Control Nurse, South Carolina’s influenza season can last into April. After taking the flu shot, it takes most people about two weeks to make enough antibodies to protect them from the flu.
“It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine,” says Baughman. “If you haven’t already gotten vaccinated, it’s still recommended through April 1.”
How can you help protect yourself from the flu? “Frequent hand washing and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is your best protection,” said Baughman. “Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth because germs are spread this way. Staying away from large crowds during times of outbreaks will also lessen your chance of getting the flu. See your doctor if you suspect you might have the flu and stay home from work until you’re sure it’s gone.”
Symptoms of the flu are fever (usually high), headache, tiredness (can be extreme), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches and diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults).
See your family physician to get a flu shot or if you have any questions about preventing the flu. You can also contact Laura Baughman, RN at Abbeville Area Medical Center (864) 366-5011. |