Flu activity remains high in the United States and is widespread in 46 states, includingTennessee. It’s not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated against influenza. Everyone six months of age and older should receive flu vaccine each year. The Health Department is now
offering flu vaccine free of charge.
Influenza A (H3N2) viruses have been most common during the current flu season. In general, H3N2-
predominant seasons have been associated with more severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths, especially in older people and young children. Early in the flu season, the CDC reported the vaccine might not be as effective against the H3N2 strain because it had mutated, or drifted.
“Vaccination remains the best way to prevent illness,” said Connie Buecker, communicable disease program manager at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department. “While this year’s vaccine may not be as effective against the drifted H3N2 virus, it’s still a good match for other circulating strains. Vaccine can still protect you by preventing complications and lessening the length and severity of illness,” said Ms. Buecker.
To date, 45 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported in the U.S. during the current flu season, including four in Tennessee. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
Flu Vaccine Options:
? The Health Department offers injectable (shot) or nasal mist (FluMist™) vaccine.
? FluMist™ is an alternative to the flu shot, and may be given to healthy, non-pregnant, people ages 2-49 years old. This year, for the first time, the CDC is recommending FluMist for children ages 2-8 years as a preference for better immunity, but if it is not available, the injectable should be given.
? High-dose flu vaccine for persons 65 years and older is also available for $55 and can be billed to
Medicare for those covered.
To ensure vaccine availability, residents should call their preferred clinic between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
? Third Street Clinic, 921 E. 3rd St., Chattanooga, 209-8050
? Ooltewah Health Center, 5625 Hwy. 60, Birchwood, 238-4269
? Sequoyah Health Center, 9527 W. Ridge Trail Road, Soddy-Daisy, 842-3031
? Birchwood Health Center, 5625 Hwy. 60, Birchwood, 961-0446
In addition to vaccination, take steps to prevent the spread of flu and other contagious diseases:
? Wash your hands often with soap and water; or use an alcohol based sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
? Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
? Avoid close contact with sick people.
? Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
? If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
If you think you have the flu or might have been exposed, it is important to contact your medical provider as soon as possible. Antiviral drugs can be used to treat flu illness and prevent serious flu complications. Treatment with antivirals works best when begun within 48 hours of getting sick, but can still be beneficial when given later in the course of illness. Treatment with flu antiviral drugs can make flu illness milder and shorter.
Visit the website for more information at http://health.hamiltontn.org/.