It’s hard to believe that the flu season will soon be upon us.  Each year at this time, I remind my patients to schedule to get their flu shot. I thought I would take the opportunity to also educate readers on the importance of this yearly preventive health measure.   What is Influenza (Also Called Flu)?   The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

Every year in the United States, on average:

5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu.   Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk for serious flu complications.

Symptoms of Flu   Symptoms of flu include:

fever (usually high) headache extreme tiredness dry cough sore throat   runny or stuffy nose muscle aches Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults   Complications of Flu   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.

How Flu Spreads   Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Preventing the Flu: Get Vaccinated   The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. There are two types of vaccines:

The flu shot The nasal-spray flu vaccine   When to Get Vaccinated   October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated in December or even later can still be beneficial since most influenza activity occurs in January or later in most years. Though it varies, flu season can last as late as May.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?   In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain groups are at high risk and include:

Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday, Pregnant women, People 50 years of age and older, People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, and People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.   People who live with, or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, include:

Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above) Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated) Health care workers.   If you have questions about whether you should get the flu shot talk with your health-care provider.  For those with Medicare Part B a yearly flu vaccine is a covered benefit.

Jeffrey Deitch, DO