The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

It is that time of the year again. It is recommended per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that routine annual influenza vaccination be given to all persons greater than 6 months old who do not have contraindications. This vaccination should be given optimally before the onset of influenza or flu activity and can take up to 2 weeks before the vaccination to work. We are currently recommending and offering the Flu Vaccination at Big Sandy Medical Center and the Senior Center has already completed their day when they offered vaccinations. The influenza season officially began on October 4 in Montana. As of October 16th there has been a total of 34 confirmed cases, 15 hospitalizations, and unfortunately one death reported. There are currently no confirmed cases in Chouteau or Hill Counties. Last year just in the state of Montana the Department of Public Health and Human Services recorded 608 hospitalizations and 24 deaths that were related to influenza. It is essential to get vaccinated as it is the best way to prevent being ill from the influenza and the spread of the influenza virus. The flu is transmitted through the tiny droplets made when a person coughs, sneezes, or even talks to another person. This makes it easy for the virus to spread to family and/or friends.

Who should get vaccinated? As above it is recommended that all persons greater than 6 months old become vaccinated. There is currently a high dose flu shot that is approved and recommended for anyone over the age of 65 and if you do not like shots there is a nasal-spray vaccine available. Those at increased risk for influenza include individuals with asthma, diabetes, chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and younger children.

Why do I have to be vaccinated this year when I was vaccinated last year? You are recommended to have annual vaccination because every year the circulating virus as well as the vaccine changes. The vaccine that was given last year will not protect you from the influenza virus this year. This year's vaccine has been updated to protect you from what the expected influenza virus will be.

What else can I do to prevent the flu? First and foremost, the influenza vaccination is a great line of defense. Other preventative measures that can help stop the spread of the virus include washing your hands with soap and water, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze as the droplets can contaminate your hands and finally limit contact with others that are sick.

What happens if I get the flu? The symptoms that you need to watch for include fever, cough, headache, sore throat and muscle aches. The symptoms can range from no symptoms to being fatal. Treatment includes pain and fever reduction medication, increased hydration, and cough suppressants. If you do present to your primary care provider within 48 hours of onset of symptoms you may receive an antiviral called Tamiflu. This may reduce your symptom duration by 1 day but it is costly.

In conclusion, the influenza vaccination is not 100% guaranteed to prevent the flu, but may reduce the symptoms and length of the illness. I firmly urge and recommend that you get your flu shot now. This may prevent you from becoming ill or possible death.