EDITORIAL: Flu season getting early start

   With the temperature bouncing up and down as it has recently, it feels like the kind of weather that precipitates the flu season.
   Along with statistics showing December is the beginning of the more active part of the six-month flu season (January and February are the most active) are reports from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that this year’s flu virus is expected to carry strong symptoms.
   Outbreaks have been reported in southern and western states already this year, earlier than usual, according to the CDC.
   But the CDC says the flu vaccines available this year are a good match to fight the symptoms of the flu strains expected to spread.
   That’s why it’s important for everyone from age 6 months on up to get a flu shot.
   ”Now that flu season has arrived, the best way to protect yourself, your family and your coworkers is to get a flu shot,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Mary O’Dowd.
   Flu shots are especially important for pregnant women, children under 5, but especially younger than 2 years old, people 65 and older and people with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and HIV).
   In addition, it’s important for people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and people who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu.
   Health care workers are recommended to receive the flu vaccine to reduce the transmission of flu-related illness and death, especially to patients at increased risk for severe flu complications.
   Those who should not get a flu shot are children under 6 months old or people who have had a severe allergic reaction to a flu shot. Individuals with a known allergy to eggs should consult their physicians about getting a flu shot.
   Vaccines are in ample supply this year, and can be arranged through a doctor’s office, many retail drug chains and at community clinics.
   In addition to a shot, vaccines also are available in nasal spray form for people 2 to 49 and in an intradermal form for those 18 to 64. There is also a high-dose shot for those over 65.
   In the Lambertville area, residents can get flu shots at CVS, Cherry and North Main streets, according to city Clerk Cindy Ege.
   Getting a flu vaccination can mean a much more healthy winter for everyone.