Even though we're still technically in summer, experts say it's time to start thinking about getting your flu shot.
On Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released its flu vaccine recommendations for the 2018-19 season saying all children under six months old should be vaccinated before the end of October.
It comes after a particularly fatal flu season for children last year that saw almost 180 die of the virus.
Dr Jean Moorjani, a pediatrician at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida, reveals why it's important to get your vaccine no later than Halloween, why the nasal spray is a good alternative and how the myth that you can get the flu from the vaccine got started.
On Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics released its flu vaccine recommendations for the 2018-19 season saying all children under six months old be vaccinated before the end of October (file image)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2017-18 season was one of the most severe on record.
During the last full week of January, the agency reported that one of every 14 visits to doctors and clinics nationwide that week was for symptoms of the flu.
That made it the highest level since the deadly swine flu pandemic in 2009.
Across the US, 179 children died and thousands were hospitalized. The CDC said 80 percent of the children who died were not vaccinated.
During a good year, the effectiveness of the shot can range between 50 and 70 percent.
However, when the strain known as the H3N2 virus spreads, it falls to as low as 30 percent.
In response, the AAP published a statement on Tuesday stating that parents should make sure all children six months or older get a flu shot by the end of October.
WHAT SHOTS CAN I GET?
The CDC recommends getting the vaccine either in the form of a shot or a nasal spray. For those who choose to go with the injectable, there are two options.
The first is a trivalent vaccine, which protects against two influenza A strains, H1N1 and H3N2, and one influenza B strain.
The second option, the quadrivalent flu vaccine, protects against the same strains as the trivalent vaccine, as well as an extra influenza B virus.
'It takes two weeks for your body to build up the antibodies, so I use Halloween as a marker of when to get it for my patients,' Dr Moorjani said.
'If you get it by then, then you'll be protected when the flu season is full swing.'
SHOULD I GET THE NASAL SPRAY?
The AAP recommends getting an injection over the nasal mist option because the shot has provided more consistent protection against strains of the virus.
'Long ago we used to say just get the vaccine whether it's the shot or the spray,' said Dr Moorjani.
'We actually found that the shot was a lot better ar protecting against thevirus.'
For the first time in two years, the CDC updated its recommendations to include the nasal spray, known as FluMist.
The nasal spray uses live, weakened viruses which are meant to teach the body to recognize and ward off flu strains if you become infected.
The shot works similarly but uses dead strains of the virus.
First introduced in 2003, it was presented as an alternative to children who are fearful of needles or if a doctor runs out of shots.
However, data showed that between 2013 and 2016, the spray was not as effective as the flu shot, particularly against the H1N1 virus.
This is the influenza A strain that was responsible for the 2009 flu pandemic.
The maker of the spray, AstraZeneca, says it has developed a new formula to better target H1N1.
After the CDC reviewed a study that showed US children were producing a better immune response, the agency decided it could be added to its list of recommendation options.
'While it's better than nothing, especially if your doctor runs out of shots, there are kids out there who can't get the nasal spray because it's a live virus,' said Dr Moorjani.
'For kids who have conditions like asthma or are immunocompromised, we would not recommend for you to get the nasal spray.'
CAN THE FLU VACCINE MAKE ME SICK?
Dr Moorjani says that it's 'a complete, 100 percent myth' that you can get sick from the vaccine.
'If I get the flu vaccine and a kid sneezes in my face that same day, I'm going to get sick because the kid sneezed in my face, not from the shot,' she said.
She did note, however, that it it is still possible to get the virus even if you get the flu vaccine.
'Getting the vaccine doesn't mean you won't get flu that year - it does lower your chances - but if you get it, it helps your body fight it off sooner,' she said.
'So instead of being sick for five to six days, you'll be sick for two to three days. Or if you have a fever, it could be 101F as opposed to 104F.'
WHO SHOULD NOT GET THE VACCINE?
Dr Moorjani says the only group of people who are ineligible for the vaccine are babies under six months old.
'Babies under six months old are too young to get the vaccine so they rely on the cocoon effect,' she said.
'So when you get the vaccine you're not only protecting yourself, you're protecting babies who don't have strong immune systems.'
Contrary to popular belief, she says you can get the vaccine if you have a headache or mild cold. It is only if you are seriously ill that she recommends you avoid the vaccine.
IS IT SAFE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN?
The CDC says that pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy can receive the shot.
Dr Moorjani says there are several reasons for pregnant women to get vaccinated.
'Pregnant women who get sick with the flu can get many more complications, especially with respiratory issues,' she explained, which makes pregnant women more likely to require hospitalization.
She added that the shot's protectiveness gets passed on to the unborn baby and help can protect him or her during the first six months of life when they can't receive the vaccine.
'The antibodies are not only protecting the mothers but also protecting the baby, which is vital especially if they're born at the height of the flu season,' said Dr Moorjani.
Link article
https://hienalouca.com/2018/09/05/flu-season-is-back-is-your-family-ready-we-reveal-how-to-prepare/
Main photo article Even though we’re still technically in summer, experts say it’s time to start thinking about getting your flu shot.
On Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released its flu vaccine recommendations for the 2018-19 season saying all children under six months old should be ...
It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.
Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.
Dianne Reeves Health HienaLouca
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