It’s cold and flu season again — with the emphasis on flu or “influenza” as it’s formally called.
The flu is much more serious than the common cold and can often result in serious health complications, and sometimes death. For those in the “high-risk” category for health (under 18, over 50, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions) — and for those who are “generally healthy” — a flu shot is recommended. Washing your hands and staying home from work or school if you are sick will also help to minimize exposure to the flu, but the best source of prevention is still the influenza vaccination.
A cold and the flu are both considered respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses and the flu involves more of the body than just the respiratory system. In general, the flu is worse than a cold and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness and dry cough are more common and intense.
A national health objective for 2010 is to increase flu and pneumonia vaccinations to more than 90 percent among those 65 or older. That goal, however, is far from being realized. In New Jersey last year, 72.9 percent of those 65 or older received a flu shot.
Each year, an estimated 15 million to 61 million people in the U.S. contract the flu. But people often misunderstand and underestimate how serious and even deadly influenza can be. Each year, more than 226,000 are hospitalized for flu-related complications and an average of 36,000 people die.
This year, the Centers for Disease Control has recommended that children between the ages of 6 months and 18 years receive a flu shot. The American Lung Association supports this recommendation. Anyone who suffers from lung disease such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, or bronchitis should receive a flu shot as well.
The American Lung Association makes it easy for the public to locate where and when they can receive a flu shot. An online directory is available by visiting www.flucliniclocator.org. Simply enter your ZIP code and a variety of sites within five to 20 miles will appear.
For more information call the American Lung Association at 800-586-4872, or visit www.lunginfo. org.
No vaccine can prevent a cold, but the flu vaccine can help prevent the flu. Receiving a flu shot on an annual basis is the best measure against contracting the flu.
Albert Rizzo, M.D.
Christiana Care Health
Systems
Newark, Del.
Deborah P. Brown
American Lung Association
of the Mid-Atlantic
Bethlehem, Pa.