Anyone who has ever had an encounter with one of the particularly nasty strains of influenza probably won’t have to be reminded to get their flu shot this fall. Just mention the word “flu,” and they’ll share their “war stories” about battles with the “Asian” or “Hong-Kong” strains. The rest of us, however, may need some gentle prodding.

What many people casually dismiss as a minor, albeit inconvenient, ailment, is actually the sixth leading cause of death in this country, claiming an average of 20,000 lives each year. Influenza, or the “flu,” visits the U.S. between November and April, with the most widespread outbreaks beginning in late December. About 90 million cases of the flu are reported here each year.
The flu virus is spread by droplets sent airborne by an infected person’s sneezes and coughs. The germs are just waiting in the air, on surfaces - and on the hands that touch them.

So, how do you know if you have the flu? This is not as simple a question as it seems. The symptoms range in severity, and can mimic those of the common cold and other respiratory infections. Please see the chart at the link located below for a symptoms comparison:

Flu versus Cold Symptoms Comparison.

Each year, 9-10 months in advance of “flu season,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee predicts which of three types of influenza viruses are most likely to occur, and then instructs that the appropriate vaccine be developed to combat it. (For more in-depth information about the types of viruses and the history of flu outbreaks, visit the Centers for Disease Control’s site:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In addition to seniors and heart patients, others considered at high risk who should receive flu shots include babies under six months of age, older adults who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, health care workers, educators, everyone with asthma, and women who will be in their second or third trimester of pregnancy when flu season hits. Anyone who wants to minimize their chances for getting the flu this season should also get the vaccine.

Since it takes one to two weeks after the vaccination for the antibody to develop, the best time to get this protection is during October through mid-November when people are usually relatively healthy and have not yet been exposed to the flu. When a person gets the injection late in the season, it is possible that they have already been exposed to the ailment.

It is important to remember that children should not be given aspirin when they have the flu because studies have linked its use to the development of Reye’s syndrome in youngsters recovering from the virus.

For information on where or if you or a family member should get a flu shot, contact your doctor. Information can also be obtained from the following County health departments:

Dallas County Health Department (214) 819-2163
Tarrant County Health Department (817) 238-4448
Collin County Health Department (972) 424-1460
Denton County Health Department (940) 349-2900

by Tom Regensdorfer