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Vaccinate
against flu
RICHMOND — Just as shorter days and colder nights surely mean that winter is in the wings, so too do they portend of another, more ominous, annual occurrence, the yearly onslaught of influenza and pneumonia.
In 1987 more than 2.25 million Virginians suffered a bout with influenza, while pneumonia afflicted another 89,000.
These diseases are too deadly to be suffered lightly. Influenza is the fourth leading cause of death in older adults. Pneumonia is the leading cause of death by infectious disease in the United States. The two combine to be the sixth leading cause of death in this country.
Both can be prevented. The American Lung Association of Virginia (ALAV) urges those most at risk to seek out flu and pneumonia vaccines. The ideal time for vaccination is October through December.
People who should receive the vaccines include healthy adults age 65 and older; adults and chddren with chronic cardiovascular or putpionary disorders; residents, caretakers and employees of nursing homes and chronic care facilities; and other health care providers who come in contact with high-risk groups. Families of high-risk individuals should also be vaccinated.
Individuals with severe allergies to eggs should not be vaccinated. Persons with acute febrile illnesses should contact their physicians before receiving the vaccines.
Flu shots should be repeated yearly, as flu strains change annually. Pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines are effective thorughout the recipient’s lifetime.
Vaccinations are available through private physicians, and are also offered by the Rappahannock County Health Department. Call (703) 675-3516 for more information.
The Centers for Disease Control estimate that flu and pneumonia result in almost 70,000 deaths annually in the United States. In 1987, 91 million episodes of flu were responsible for 174 sick bed days, with an economic cost of $10.4 billion.
For more information on flu and pneumonia, and their vaccines, contact the Northern Virginia ALAV office or call toll-free, (800) 345-LUNG.
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