How Serious is the Flu?
Posted on September 24, 2014
The severity of the flu varies widely from one season to the next depending on many things, including:
- What flu viruses are spreading,
- How much and when the flu vaccine is availableThe number of people who get vaccinated, and
- How well the flu vaccine is matched to the actual flu viruses that are causing the illness
According to the CDC “Flu seasons are unpredictable and can be severe. Over a period of 30 years, between 1976 and 2006, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people.”
Some people are at a greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu; older adults, pregnant women and young children, as well as people living with a chronic health condition such as asthma, diabetes and/or heart disease. Complications can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration.
The single best way to prevent you from getting the flu is the flu vaccine!
When to get vaccinated against seasonal flu?
Yearly flu vaccination should begin ideally by October. However, getting vaccinated earlier or even later can be protective, as long as flu viruses are circulating. Influenza activity can begin as early as October and usually peaks in January or later. It is important to know that it takes about two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies to develop in the body that protect you against the flu virus.
Who Should Get Vaccinated This Season?
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. This recommendation has been in place since February 24, 2010 when CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for “universal” flu vaccination in the United States to expand protection against the flu to more people.
Vaccination to prevent influenza is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza. See People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications for a full list of age and health factors that confer increased risk. Click on the following link for more information: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/groups.htm
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