WHAT TO DO TO DEAL WITH THE FLU

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 | 06:23 PM
Unvaccinated Tennesseans Urged to Get Flu Vaccine

NASHVILLE – Influenza activity is widespread across most of the United States, including Tennessee, with intense activity in some regions of the state and more flu activity overall than in recent flu seasons. The Department of Health urges all Tennesseans who have not yet received a flu vaccine to get one now to help protect vulnerable people around them, their families and themselves from the flu virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that people who have had this year’s vaccine are about 60 percent less likely to have to visit a medical provider for treatment of influenza illness than unvaccinated people.

“We expect several more weeks of influenza activity in Tennessee, so we want everyone who hasn’t yet been vaccinated to do so now,” said Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “People who are still unvaccinated are at the most risk of getting sick and spreading the virus to others. At this point, some vaccine providers may have exhausted their supplies, so those who still need flu vaccine may need to call more than one provider to locate it.”

Dreyzehner and Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam have both received their annual flu vaccinations and urge all Tennesseans to get vaccinated against the flu. Hear from them in a video available on the TDH website at http://health.state.tn.us/Flu/index.htm.

For those who do fall ill with the flu, treatment with antiviral medication may help. Antiviral medications can reduce the length and severity of illness when started early, ideally within 48 hours of onset of illness. People at high risk for developing serious complications from the flu, such as young children, pregnant women, people over age 65 and those with chronic health conditions, should contact their health care providers to learn if antiviral medication or other treatment is recommended. Antiviral treatment initiated as soon as possible is especially important for those in high-risk groups and for people who are very sick with influenza, such as those requiring hospitalization.

“Classic symptoms of the flu include fever, body aches, sore throat and cough. Anyone at high risk of serious illness who thinks they may have the flu should contact their healthcare provider promptly to determine if treatment with an antiviral medication could help them,” said Kelly Moore, MD, MPH, medical director of the Tennessee Immunization Program. “The vaccine is our best protection, but it is important to know that treatment may help prevent some serious complications if you do get sick.”

People who are sick should stay home to recover to prevent spreading illness to coworkers and others. TDH recommends not returning to work or school until 24 hours after your fever goes away in order to minimize the chances of spreading the flu to others. It’s also important to practice good health habits to protect yourself from the flu and other winter viruses and to prevent spreading them to others if you do get sick. Good health habits include frequent hand washing with soapy water, keeping hands away from your face, getting plenty of rest, eating a healthful diet and covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue.

To find flu vaccine providers in your area, visit the Department of Health website at http://health.state.tn.us/FluClinic/Default.aspx or visit http://flushot.healthmap.org/.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. For more information about TDH services and programs, visit http://health.state.tn.us/.