Type #1: Seasonal, or Common Flu
What is it: Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), are at high risk for serious flu complications. The single best way to prevent Seasonal Flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.
When to vaccinate: Yearly flu vaccination should begin in October as soon as vaccine is available and continue into January when Seasonal Influenza activity typically peaks.
Piedmont Internal Medicine has finished offering Seasonal Flu vaccine. No more Seasonal Flue vaccine is available (Last updated 03/08/10)
Who to vaccinate: In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu may get vaccinated if they choose. However, certain people should definitely get vaccinated each year, either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications, or because they live with or care for high risk persons.
People who should get vaccinated each year are:
o
Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday oPregnant women
Pregnant womenoPeople 50 years of age and older
People 50 years of age and olderoPeople of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditionsoPeople who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilitiesoPeople who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including: oHealth care workers
Health care workersoHousehold contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the fluoHousehold contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age
Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of ageType #2: Novel H1N1, or Swine Flu
What is it: This new influenza virus began infecting humans early in 2009, and has now spread worldwide. It is different than the virus that causes Seasonal Flu. The CDC is concerned that the new H1N1 flu virus could surge again this winter, resulting in a particularly severe flu season. The single best way to prevent H1N1 Flu is to get a flu vaccination. Unfortunately, the vaccine we use for the Seasonal Flu is unlikely to provide protection against the H1N1 Flu, so a separate vaccine is needed. The new H1N1 Flu vaccine does not replace the Seasonal Flu vaccine – it is intended to be used along-side the Seasonal Flu vaccine.
When to vaccinate: This new vaccine should be given now! We have a plentiful supply. (Last updated 03/08/10)
Who to vaccinate: The CDC recommends vaccinating the entire population with the following priority:
oPregnant women
Pregnant women oHousehold contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age oHealthcare and emergency medical services personnel
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel oAll people from 6 months through 24 years of age
All people from 6 months through 24 years of age oPersons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from
Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenzaOnce the demand for vaccine for these prioritized groups has been met, vaccination should begin for everyone from the ages of 25 through 64 yearsCurrent studies indicate that the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. However, once vaccine demand among younger age groups has been met, vaccination should begin for people 65 or older.With plentiful supply, all categories of interested persons may receive vaccine at this time! No appointment needed!
Telephone:
(540) 347-4200
(540) 341-7102 (fax)
Flu Update
Welcome to Piedmont Internal Medicine’s FLU UPDATE . . .
There are many types of viruses that cause human respiratory illness during the year, but two of the more dreaded ones are the familiar Seasonal, or Common Flu virus and the newly discovered Novel H1N1, or Swine Flu virus. The Seasonal Flu comes around every fall and those at risk should be vaccinated against it. The H1N1 Flu was only first detected in the U.S. in April 2009, and has spread to many countries around the world since. The detailed information below will help you know the differences between the 2 types of flu and how to avoid both!
* Vaccine No Longer Available*
* Vaccine Still Available*
