Fall is Around the Corner

By Dr. Rebecca Katzman

It seems hard to imagine, but fall is just around the corner.  In healthcare, one of the primary considerations during the fall and winter seasons is influenza (the flu). Influenza infection causes an average of 30,000 to 50,000 deaths a year in the United States. Vaccination to protect against influenza will be here soon. Although we know that vaccination against influenza is not perfect, it still provides significant protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Nationally, the 2020-2021 flu season was less severe than previous years due to broad implementation of general protection against respiratory viruses (masking, hand washing, social distancing), but we cannot predict what this upcoming flu season will look like. To help protect us and our loved ones, vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. Most people should try to get their vaccines in September or October.  It is not possible to get the flu from a vaccine, although some people may experience a few days of symptoms such as fatigue, achiness, and runny nose, as these are symptoms brought on by the body’s immune response. There are multiple types of flu vaccines available, many of which do not contain egg or egg protein derivatives.  For those over age 65, there are three preferred flu vaccines – Fluzone High Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant vaccine, and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine – however if these are unavailable when you go to get your vaccine, you should get any available appropriate immunization.  For adults under age 65 there is no preferential vaccine. Flu vaccines will be available at Clearwater Valley Health starting September 1. Please talk to your healthcare provider about getting your immunization and other ways to help protect yourself and your family.