The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Once again Rod Hickman has become a PA at the Big Sandy Clinic. This is about the third time at least that he has moved back to Big Sandy to help out until another PA could be found.

“The Mountaineer” asked if Hickman had written anything or could he write about getting a flu vaccination this fall. Luckily he said he had something and emailed it to us. We are using it this week.

So, once again, Rod, you have saved our bacon. Thanks again and again for all that you do for this community!

Why do I need a Flu vaccination?

By Rodney Hickman PA-C

Several years ago while standing in the Roundup, Montana cemetery, I noticed an entire section of grave markers relegated to children ages under 5 who had all died between 1918-1919. I quickly realized they had died during the 1918-1919 Spanish Influenza pandemic.

The unprecedented pandemic of 1919, caused by an H1N1, strain A influenza virus killed 40-60 million people worldwide and more than 600,000 Americans.The first reported case occurred at Camp Funston, Kansas in March 1918.At first the disease was non-lethal, although it made millions ill.

But by August 1918 the virus mutated into a ruinous pathogen. In New York City from September 1918 to March 1919, the virus had killed over 33,000 residents or 1% of the city’s population.

At the time, influenza was thought to have been a result of a bacterium named Pfeiffer Bacillus and treatment consisted of aspirin, oral fluids, fasting and bed confinement. Camphor bags were worn around children’s necks as prophylaxis against influenza.

Fortunately, medicine has advanced significantly since 1918. Still over 20,000 influenza deaths annually occur during an average flu season in the United States. Each year 3-5 million cases of severe illness and 250,000-500,000 deaths occur world-wide. This occurs in spite of having very effective influenza vaccines. According to the CDC, the influenza vaccine is 70-90% effective in preventing influenza in healthy adults.

Vaccination is the cornerstone of influenza prevention. CDC recommends the influenza vaccine for all people aged over 6 months and older who do not have contraindications to the vaccine.

Common sense preventive measures such as careful hand washing,appropriate cough-cover,correct disposal of used tissues, rest, fluids and staying home when ill are still very important and should be practiced.

Common Influenza symptons:

“Abrupt-onset”

high fever

cough

Sore throat

extreme fatigue

generalized muscle pain

Headache

red-watery eyes

nausea,vomiting or diarrhea may occur in some cases.

Common Myths abouth the Flu vaccine and Influenza

The flu shot can cause the flu.

Fact: The flu shot cannot cause influenza. People may have localized redness or soreness at the injection site for a day or two. Serious side effects are rare.

The flu shot doesn’t work.

Fact: Most of the time it is very effective in preventing influenza. Scientific studies suggest a 70-90% effectiveness in disease prevention. Additionally, in patients over age 40; the flu vaccine may help prevent an acute heart attack. An Australian study revealed unvaccinated subjects were twice as likely as vaccinated subjects to have an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).

The side effects are worse than the flu!

Fact: The worse side effect you’re likely to get from the vaccine is a sore arm. The risk of a serious allergic reaction is less than 1 in 4 million.

People with asthma shouldn’t get the flu shot

Fact: People with asthma are at high risk of becoming very ill from influenza. The flu shot will not cause an asthma attack . It is very important that people with asthma get the flu shot each year.People with asthma should get the flu shot, not the nasal mist flu vaccine.

I can’t get the flu shot today because I am sick.

Fact:

You can get the flu shot at the same time you have a fever as long as it is not very high, or if you have a mild respiratory illness. If you are very sick, you may need to reschedule the shot at a later time.

You must receive the flu shot before December.

Fact: They can be given before or during the flu season. CDC now recommends to be vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available. Don’t wait until you get influenza before you think about getting the flu shot.

Flu vaccine Facts and Myths was adapted from the CDC Handout Common Myths about the Flu vaccine and Influenza.

Influenza is a potentially devastating illness with severe consequences. Let us do all we can to remain healthy this winter. Please visit with your health care provider about the Flu vaccine as soon as possible. Remember; “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.