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 die from the flu.
Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.
Our goal is to provide flu and pneumonia vaccination coverage for as many Tillamook County residents as possible.
Preventing Flu
Vaccination: The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall. In the absence of vaccine, however, there are other ways to protect against flu.
Antiviral Medications: Three antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, and oseltamivir) are approved and commercially available for use in preventing flu. All of these medications are prescription drugs, and a doctor should be consulted before the drugs are used for preventing the flu.
Other Habits for Good Health
The following steps may help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like flu:
Avoid close contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep
your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Stay home when you are sick
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick.
You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It
may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Clean your hands
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or
mouth
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is
contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Facts vs. Myths on Flu Shots
"The flu is just like a bad cold."
FALSE
Influenza (flu) is far more dangerous than a bad cold. It's a disease of
the lungs, and it can lead to pneumonia. Each year about 114,000 people in
the U.S. are hospitalized and about 20,000 people die because of the flu.
Most who die are over 65 years old. But small children less than 2 years old
are as likely as those over 65 to have to go to the hospital because of the
flu.
"The shot can give you the flu."
FALSE
Flu vaccines are made from killed influenza viruses. These viruses
cannot give you the flu.
"Even if I get a flu shot, I can still get the flu."
MAYBE
This can happen, but the flu shot usually protects most people from the
flu. However, the flu shot will not protect you from other viruses that can
cause illnesses that sometimes feel like the flu.
"The vaccine isn't 100% effective, so I'm better off
getting the flu."
FALSE
No vaccine is 100% effective. However, if you get a flu shot but still
get the flu, you are likely to be far less sick than you would have been
without the protection.
"The side effects are worse than the flu."
FALSE
The worst side effect you're likely to get is a sore arm. The risk of a
rare allergic reaction is far less than the risk of severe complications
from influenza.
"Not everyone can take the flu shot."
TRUE
If you are allergic to eggs (used in making the vaccine); are very ill
with a high fever; or have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the
past, you might not be able to get this protection.
"Only the very old and sick need the flu shot."
FALSE
Both adults and children who are in good health need a flu shot to stay
healthy. Even if you aren't at high risk of complications, you should get a
flu shot to prevent the flu and to protect everyone you live with and
contact.
"December is too late to get a flu shot."
FALSE
The flu shot can be given before or during the flu season. While the
best time to get a flu shot is in October or November, a flu shot in
December or later will still protect you against the flu.
Robin Watts, 503-842-3900 ext. 3928
Last updated 06/22/2009 12:05 PM