2008 Woodie Awards
Sniffling and sneezing and coughing-oh my!
Ashley Erb
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Influenza, more commonly known as the "flu," is a very contagious, airborne disease that is usually spread from person to person by the nose or throat of others.
Anyone can contract the virus that causes the flu. Symptoms most commonly include: fever, sore throat, chills, muscle fatigue, cough, headache and muscle ache. However, if it is left untreated, the flu can result in pneumonia.
With November finally upon us, flu season is right around the corner, and some may be wondering if a flu vaccination is the answer.
Q. Who can get a flu vaccination?
A. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone who wants to reduce their risk of contracting the flu can get vaccinated. However, during flu season, vaccine supplies are limited. The CDC does suggest that people with chronic health conditions (e.g., weakened immune system, respiratory-system problems or metabolic diseases, people over 65 years of age and children between 6-23 months) should be vaccinated. The CDC suggests talking with your doctor before being vaccinated if you have had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or to previous flu shots.
Q. How effective is a flu shot?
A. A flu vaccine prevents influenza in about 70-90 percent of healthy people under the age of 65. Among elderly people living outside chronic-care facilities, and persons with long-term medical conditions, the flu vaccine is 30-70 percent effective.
Q. What are the risks involved with getting a flu vaccine?
A. Viruses in a flu shot are killed, so you cannot contract the flu from a flu vaccination. The risks of a flu shot causing serious harm are extremely small. However, the flu vaccination may cause severe allergic reactions, soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given, or low-grade fevers and aches.
Q. Is a flu vaccination the only way to help prevent getting the flu?
A. No. According to the Polk County Public Health Department website (http://www.co.polk.or.us/PublicHealth/default.asp), simple actions like avoiding contact with people who are sick and washing your hands regularly can help prevent you from getting the flu. Also, getting plenty of sleep, engaging in physical activities and drinking plenty of water can protect you from contracting the flu. If you are sick with the flu, be sure to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze to help stop the spread of germs, and, if possible, stay home from work and school and abstain from errands.
For those of us who find getting a shot more than a painful experience, there are other ways to avoid the flu.
Q. Where can I find more information about flu vaccinations and where they are being offered in my area?
A. You can learn more about flu vaccinations by contacting your health-care provider or the Polk County Public Health Department at 503-623-8176. In addition to contacting your health-care provider or the Polk County Public Health Department, you can also visit the Student Health Center on campus or call them at 503-838-8313. You can also go online to search for a flu shot clinic near you on the American Lung Association's FluClinic Locator (http://flucliniclocator.org/).