Now is the time to prepare for the flu season. The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the
first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Horn Memorial Community Health will be
offering Community flu shots clinics:
- Wednesday, October
7 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Ida Grove Community Hall
- Thursday, October 8 from 8:30 a.m.
to 10:30 a.m. at the Battle Creek Community Center
- Friday,
October 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Galva at The Meeting Place
- Friday,
October 9 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Holstein Methodist Church
- Thursday,
October 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Arthur Evangelical Free Youth
Building
Clinics are available for individuals 19 years and
older. A Medicare card or Medicare
Advantage Plan card is required. Private pay shots are $31.00. If you are homebound and would like to
receive the flu shot, please call Horn Memorial Community Health at 364-7311.
Flu shots may fall under your health insurance coverage. Check your benefits to see if flu shots are
covered. If you're still not sure, just
call the Customer Service number on the back of your ID card and they will be
happy to help. Call your doctor and
schedule an appointment or visit a participating pharmacy. While many pharmacies will accept your
coverage, be sure to ask before you get your flu shot.
The flu is different from a cold. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness
caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can
lead to death. The
flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all
of these symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny
or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue and though more common in
children than adults vomiting and diarrhea.
The Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends annual vaccination for all people ages 6
months and older who do not have a contraindication to the vaccine.
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Some people refuse influenza
vaccination because they believe they “got the flu” after receiving the
vaccine in the past. There are several
reasons why this misconception persists: (1) Less than 1% of people who are
vaccinated with the injectable vaccine develop flu-like symptoms, such as
mild fever and muscle aches, after vaccination. These side effects are not
the same as having influenza, but people confuse the symptoms. (2) Protective
immunity doesn't develop until 1–2 weeks after vaccination. Some people who
get vaccinated may get influenza shortly afterward. They develop influenza
because they were exposed to someone with the virus before they became
immune. It is not the result of the vaccination. (3) To many people "the
flu" is any illness with fever and cold symptoms. If they get any viral
illness, they may blame it on the flu shot or think they got "the
flu" despite being vaccinated. Influenza vaccine only protects against
certain influenza viruses, not all viruses. (4) The influenza vaccine is not
100% effective, especially in older persons.
It is especially important to
vaccinate pregnant women because of their increased risk for
influenza-related complications. Vaccination can occur in any trimester,
including the first. Only inactivated vaccine should be given to pregnant
women. In addition, breastfeeding is not a contraindication for routine
vaccination.
People with cancer
or a history of cancer should receive the seasonal flu shot. Living with cancer increases your risk for
complications from influenza. If a person has cancer now or has had cancer in
the past, they are at higher risk for complications from the seasonal flu. People who live with or care for cancer
patients and survivors also should be vaccinated.
Persons
who have experienced a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of influenza
vaccine, or who are known to have a severe allergy to a vaccine component
should not be vaccinated. Vaccination should be deferred for a person with
moderate or severe acute illness until his/her condition improves.
While the flu vaccine is the best defense against getting
influenza, it’s also important to take personal actions to help prevent the
spread of illness. Remember the 3Cs: Cover your coughs and sneezes; Clean your hands frequently; and Contain germs by staying home when
ill.
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