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Vaccination for the H1N1 flu
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The H1N1 virus — also known as Swine Flu — has gained attention this year. Unfortunately, the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you from this strain of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a separate vaccination, expected to be available this fall, for protection from H1N1.
For more information about H1N1 flu symptoms, treatment and prevention, see the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Frequently Asked Questions at www.uhc.com/news_room/
swine_flu_advisory/
swine_flu_faq.htm. Or, visit the CDC at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.
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Q: Should I get a flu shot every year?
A: Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to protect yourself against influenza, or the flu. It’s important to take steps to prevent the flu because it can be a serious illness. In fact, it causes about 36,000 deaths in this country annually, mostly among people ages 65 and older.
Almost anyone can get the flu vaccine. But, certain groups should make yearly vaccination a priority. These include:
- Children ages 6 months up to their 19th birthday
- Pregnant women
- Adults ages 50 and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
- Those who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who visit, live with or care for those at high risk of complications from the flu. This includes health care workers and those who care for children less than age 6 months — these children are too young to be vaccinated.
Because the virus strains change each year, you need a new vaccine annually. The vaccine doesn’t guarantee you won’t get the flu. But, it does lower your risk. It also can make your flu symptoms less severe than if you didn’t get vaccinated.
You can get the vaccine through a shot or in the form of a nasal spray. You can opt for the spray if you’re:
- Not pregnant
- Between ages 2 years and 49 years and generally healthy. This means you don’t have a condition that makes you more likely to get flu complications.
Be aware that some people should talk with their doctors before they get the flu vaccine, such as those who:
- Have developed Guillain-Barré syndrome — a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the nervous system — within six weeks of getting the flu vaccine
- Have a severe allergy to chicken eggs or have had a reaction to the vaccine
You also shouldn’t get vaccinated if you’re ill with a fever. Instead, wait until you’re well.
Something in the air
Flu season in the United States generally runs from November through April. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to take effect, so it’s best to get immunized as early as possible, starting in September. But, you still may benefit from vaccination later in the season.
The flu virus is spread easily from person to person through droplets sneezed or coughed into the air. Surfaces, such as countertops and doorknobs, can be contaminated, too. If you touch them and then touch your nose or mouth, you can get infected. Along with being vaccinated, you can lessen your chances of becoming infected by washing your hands regularly.
If you get the flu, help keep the virus from spreading by staying home from work or school. Also, talk with your doctor about antiviral medicines. They can help make the illness milder. However, antibiotics won’t help treat or prevent the flu.
For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/flu.
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Michael Rosen, M.D., is UnitedHealth Group’s clinical lead in developing comprehensive oncology disease management solutions. He is board certified in internal medicine and hematology.
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Discover more information and resources at myuhc.com. Click “Health & Wellness,” then type “flu and colds” into the search box.
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