10-21-08

Flu shots

Influenza is more than just an inconvenience.  It can be a significant health threat for individuals of all ages, especially seniors and children who have other infections.

Influenza sends more than 200,000 Americans to the hospital each year and it is among the leading causes of death for senior citizens, but getting a flu vaccination can help prevent it.  Dr. Amber Barnhart, associate professor of family and community medicine at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, recommends flu shots for seniors. 

SOUND BITE:  “Flu vaccinations do reduce hospitalizations and death, particularly in the elderly population.  They are a vulnerable population for not having the immune response to really control the influenza once they get it, so they tend to get very ill with the influenza, so that group in particular needs to get the shots.”

Dr. Barnhart says the Centers for Disease Control now recommends immunizing children and teens ages six months through 18 years and any adults who want to reduce the risk for becoming ill with influenza or transmitting it to others.  She explains why a certain group of children should get flu shots.

SOUND BITE: “One of the new developments in influenza is an association between children who have MRSA, which is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, getting influenza then being at risk to die because they have both illnesses.” 

Dr. Barnhart says the best time to be vaccinated is now through January.   There seems to be an ample supply of flu vaccine this year.  To get a flu shot, contact your primary care physician or local public health department. 

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.