 |
Mark Rupp, M.D. |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials have declared this week “National Influenza Vaccination Week” to urge more Americans to get vaccinated.
Overall about 218 million Americans, or 73 percent of the population, should get the vaccine this year. However, the CDC said only a fraction of the people who should get flu shots usually do.
“Too few people get vaccinated for the flu because of ignorance and misinformation,” said Mark Rupp, M.D., infectious disease specialist at UNMC and The Nebraska Medical Center. “Many people believe that influenza is a minor illness. For young healthy persons, this is partially true. However, even in this age group, the flu can still cause an illness that will result in absenteeism from work or school for several days to a week or more and a variety of secondary complications.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate 5 percent to 20 percent of the U.S. population will come down with the flu in any given year. The flu accounts for approximately 36,000 deaths (primarily among those 65 years of age and older) and more than 200,000 hospitalizations during an average year in the United States.
“Unfortunately, even if you are not in a high risk group, you can easily transmit the virus to someone who is at risk — a newborn, grandma or grandpa. That’s why it is so critical that everyone is vaccinated before family holiday gatherings,” Dr. Rupp said.
Public demand for the flu vaccine customarily drops off the week after Thanksgiving, but it shouldn’t. Dr. Rupp said this is an ideal time to get a flu shot.
“Your immunity resulting from the flu vaccine typically starts about two weeks after the shot and peaks about six weeks after the shot,” Dr. Rupp said.
It is difficult to predict exactly when the flu epidemic will peak as it varies from year to year, he said.
However, the flu season is typically at its peak between late December and late January or early February.
“Therefore, vaccination after Thanksgiving will result in peak levels at about the right time,” Dr. Rupp said.
This year, the CDC began recommending that doctors give flu shots to children ages 2 to 5. Vaccinations were already recommended for children ages 6 months to 23 months, pregnant women, people 50 and older, and those of all ages with chronic health conditions.
Some individuals believe the flu shot will give them the flu and therefore choose not to get vaccinated.
“This couldn’t be farther from the truth,” Dr. Rupp said. “The flu shot is made from an inactivated or killed virus and thus cannot cause an infection. It can cause some soreness at the injection site, minor generalized muscle aches or even a low grade fever. However, the severity of these symptoms is minuscule compared to the real deal, an influenza infection.”
The CDC said more than 110 million doses of the flu vaccine — a record amount — are being made for this flu season. Officials say plenty of the vaccine is available.
More information on the 2006-2007 Flu Season is available at www.nebraskamed.com.