You have a better chance of beating the flu by getting vaccinated now, if you have not already done so. The numbers of people who get sick from seasonal influenza usually increase in December, peak in February, and new infections continue into spring. Currently, influenza is at very low levels locally and the seasonal outbreak has not yet begun. Getting vaccinated now offers the most protection from the flu, which is much more severe than a bad cold. The flu can cause significant lost time from work and school, the time and expense of visits to health care providers, as well as hospitalization and even death. The flu vaccine helps protect those at risk from complications from the disease, as well as their family members or caregivers.

“Flu vaccine protects against a highly contagious illness by minimizing the chances you will get ill or limiting how severe the illness becomes,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Vaccine supply is widely available in King County, and the time is right to protect your health.”

Flu shots are available at doctors’ offices, clinics, pharmacies, Public Health centers and other providers. Some health care providers and pharmacies may also have FluMist, the live attenuated vaccine. Instead of getting an injection, a small amount of vaccine is sprayed into each nostril. FluMist is licensed for healthy people aged 2-49 years. To find a flu shot clinic, visit: www.flucliniclocator.org

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the week of Dec. 8-14 as National Influenza Vaccination Week, to promote influenza vaccine for those who have not yet been immunized.

Who should get vaccinated?

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. In particular, people recommended for vaccination during the 2008-09 flu season:

• Children aged six months up to their 19th birthday

• Pregnant women

• People 50 years of age and older

• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions

• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including health care workers, household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu, and household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than six months of age

What is seasonal influenza?

Seasonal influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness. Influenza is a serious disease; most people who become ill with it feel too sick to work or go to school for as much as seven to 10 days.

Seasonal influenza, unlike the common cold, has a swift onset of severe symptoms beginning with two to seven days of fever, headache, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, runny nose and sore throat, and a cough that is often severe and may last seven days or more. Influenza can also be a risk factor for serious bacterial pneumonia, including MRSA.

Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. According to the CDC, every year in the United States, an average of 5-20 percent of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Two years ago in King County, three children died from complications of seasonal influenza.

How else can I protect myself from the flu?

As always, healthy habits can limit the spread of contagious illnesses, including the flu. Cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands often, avoid close contact with ill people, and stay home from work, school, and other public settings when ill. For more information on good health manners and educational materials, visit Public Health’s Stop Germs, Stay Healthy! webpage.

For complete information about seasonal influenza, where to get a flu vaccine, and costs, please visit the flu season web pages or call Public Health’s information line at 206-296-4949.