Flu cases are increasing in many parts of the country, including in Harris County. As we are in the holiday season, getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick with the flu. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to provide protection in your body, so schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
HCPH recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine. If you want to receive additional seasonal shots, like COVID-19 or RSV, the CDC confirms that it is safe to get them all at the same time.
Follow these simple steps to help keep you and your loved ones from getting the flu or passing it on to others:
Call 832-927-7575 or visit www.hcphtx.org to schedule your flu and COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are free for most people. Visit vaccines.gov, texasflu.org, or contact your healthcare provider for more information.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Mayo Clinic recommend a yearly flu vaccination for everyone six months and older, with rare exceptions. Vaccination is your best defense against flu. If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, now's the time.
For most people, influenza, or the flu, resolves on its own. But sometimes the flu and its complications can be deadly. People at higher risk of developing flu complications include young children, pregnant women and those two weeks postpartum, people over 65, people with weakened immune systems and some chronic illnesses, and people who are obese.
Having cancer, being treated for cancer or being a cancer survivor increase your risk for flu complications. For people at high risk, flu complications can include pneumonia, heart problems and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Pneumonia is one of the most serious complications as it can be deadly for older adults and people with a chronic illness.
What many people call the flu is actually viral gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, which is characterized by diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps and pain. Influenza is the true flu. It's a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system, including your nose, throat and lungs.
At first, flu may seem like a common cold, with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. But while colds usually develop slowly, flu tends to come on suddenly. And although a cold can be a bother, you usually feel much worse with flu.
Unlike the common cold and stomach flu, there is a vaccine for flu. While it's not 100% effective, getting vaccinated for flu can reduce your risk of becoming infected with flu, and lessen its severity and lower your risk of hospitalization if you are infected.
In addition to vaccination, it's also important to take several measures to reduce the spread of infection, including:
2023 Mayo Clinic News Network. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews each month with experts in Michigan discussing key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities.
The December 2023 episode, released during National Influenza Vaccination Week, features Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MD, MPH, FIDSA, chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Dr. Matthew Denenberg, MD, pediatric emergency medicine physician at Corewell Health.
The episode explores vaccine misinformation, common misconceptions and tips for patients and providers to navigate vaccine hesitancy. Bagdasarian, who serves as a cabinet member of Gov. Whitmer, kicks off the episode with a statewide look at routine childhood immunization rates in Michigan.
In 2017, our statewide vaccination coverage rate was almost 76% for children between the ages of 19 and 35 months, noted Bagdasarian. Now were down to about 66% in that age group for things like measles, mumps, rubellavaccines that have been around for decades.
Denenberg, interviewed later in the episode, shares his insight on pediatric respiratory illness from the hospital perspective, recalling the 2022 tripledemic that led to a surge in pediatric COVID-19, flu and RSV hospitalizations.
Last year was particularly severethe worst Ive seen in my 30 years, said Denenberg. Its important to get vaccinations not only for the health and safety of a child, but for the community around them. As providers, we need to work with our patients and families so that they trust us, trust in the science and trust in the vaccines.
Both Bagdasarian and Denenberg noted its not too late in the season to get vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19 and RSV if eligible. To find more information about the 2023-2024 flu season and ensure everyone in the family is up-to-date on routine immunizations, visit the MDHHS website. To find a vaccine nearby, visit Vaccines.gov.
The December episode is available to stream onSpotify,YouTube,Apple PodcastsandSoundCloud. Questions or idea submissions for future MiCare Champion Cast episodes can be sent toLucy Ciaramitaroat the MHA.
As the adage goes, prevention is better than cure, and this rings particularly true when it comes to the flu. Flu vaccination not only prevents the disruption of school, work, and everyday life, it allows us to enjoy our daily activities without the constant fear of contracting the flu. By getting vaccinated, we take a proactive measure to avoid the inconvenience and health risks associated with the flu.
According to a recent CDC-coauthored study, flu vaccination significantly reduces the risk of serious flu outcomes, including hospitalization, organ failure, and death among adults. This study analyzed data from the Investigating Respiratory Viruses in the Acutely Ill (IVY) Network, a multistate network of hospitals in the United States. The study revealed that flu vaccines reduced hospitalization risk by 37%, with varying effectiveness estimates based on age group and influenza virus A subtype. It also provided significant protection against other severe-flu related outcomes.
The annual National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) serves as a reminder of the importance of flu vaccination. While its best to get vaccinated before the flu season starts, getting vaccinated later can still provide protection. The flu shots effectiveness can vary from year to year and from person to person, reinforcing the need for annual vaccination. There is also a senior flu shot tailored for individuals aged 65 and older, offering enhanced protection for this vulnerable population.
In a recent announcement, the New York State Department of Health declared the flu to be prevalent, urging the public to get vaccinated ahead of the upcoming holidays. They reported 14,227 positive flu cases across all 62 counties in New York this season, including two pediatric flu-associated deaths. The flu shot is available for those 6 months and older, with certain groups being most at risk for serious complications.
Community health departments like the Niagara County Department of Health and the CDC emphasize the importance of receiving an annual flu vaccine. With 1.8 million cases of flu illness, 17,000 hospitalizations, and 1,100 deaths nationally, the need for vaccination is clear. Locally, almost 70% of reported flu cases in Niagara County were in individuals aged less than 50 years. Flu vaccines can reduce the risk of flu illnesses by 40-60% and can lessen the severity of symptoms and hospitalization. Particularly for those at higher risk of complications, vaccination against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV is crucial.
In conclusion, flu vaccination is a simple yet effective measure to protect ourselves and our communities from the flu. It not only safeguards our health but also prevents unnecessary disruptions to our daily lives. So, lets roll up our sleeves and get vaccinated!
National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW)
National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is an annual reminder that flu vaccination is still essential for everyone 6 months and older, especially for high-risk groups such as pregnant women and young children. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) data indicates that flu vaccination coverage was notably lower last season, putting more people at risk for serious flu complications. The flu vaccine has proven effective in reducing the risk of illness, flu-related hospitalization, and death. Therefore, its crucial to utilize platforms such as social media, patient reminders, and printable posters to encourage flu vaccination during NIVW. Learn More
Simultaneous administration of vaccines is safe and encouraged to ensure individuals are up to date with all their recommended vaccines. The flu vaccine can be safely administered with the COVID-19 vaccine and the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine, where applicable. According to the CDC, there is no recommended waiting period between getting a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine. Learn More
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has taken an active role in promoting flu vaccinations by sending reminders to over 618,000 parents and guardians of children aged 6 17 years. The message emphasizes the importance of vaccination and provides resources for finding free or low-cost vaccine providers. It is important to note that Medicare, Medicaid, CHP+, and most private health insurers cover the full cost of the flu vaccine. Learn More
It is critical to protect our youngest population from the flu. Parents and caregivers should be informed about when and where to get their children vaccinated and the different types of flu vaccines approved for their age group. They should also be aware of the potential side effects of the flu vaccine. Learn More
Unfortunately, influenza vaccination rates have fallen behind last season, putting millions more people at risk of preventable illness and hospitalization. The CDCs Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report shows that seasonal influenza activity is on the rise in most parts of the country. Furthermore, there have been eight reported pediatric deaths associated with influenza during the 2023-24 season. These statistics underline the urgent need for increased flu vaccinations. Learn More
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, can cause severe illness and even death in vulnerable populations. The flu viruses that cause illness can change from year to year, which is why it is essential to get vaccinated every flu season. The flu vaccine is updated annually to offer the best protection against the changing flu viruses. This highlights the importance of annual flu vaccination to fight the flu.
A study co-authored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the flu vaccination last season substantially reduced the risk of serious flu outcomes, including hospitalization, organ failure, and death among adults. The study, which looked at data from the Investigating Respiratory Viruses in the Acutely Ill (IVY) Network, revealed that flu vaccines reduced the risk of hospitalization by 37% overall. The study also found that flu vaccination provided better protection for younger adults compared to people 65 years and older. Moreover, it was more effective against influenza A(H1N1) virus-related hospitalizations than against influenza A(H3N2)-related hospitalizations.
Every year, the National Influenza Vaccination Week promotes the importance of flu vaccination. The best time to get a flu shot is before the flu season begins, but getting vaccinated later can still provide protection. The flu shot is generally effective for the duration of the flu season, but annual vaccination is recommended since the effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary based on factors such as age, health status, and the match between the vaccine and circulating flu viruses. It is also noteworthy that the senior flu shot is tailored for individuals aged 65 and older, offering enhanced protection for this vulnerable population.
Both the Niagara County Department of Health and the CDC are emphasizing the importance of receiving an annual flu vaccine, especially for those at higher risk of developing complications. There has been an estimated 1.8 million cases of flu illness, 17,000 hospitalizations, and 1,100 deaths nationally this season. Locally, flu cases have increased across Niagara County. Flu vaccines can reduce the risk of flu illnesses by 40-60% in the general population. Vaccination against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are especially important for those who are at a higher risk of developing complications.
The flu can be serious, but there are ways to protect against it. By getting vaccinated, you can significantly reduce your risk of severe outcomes from the flu. When more people in a community get vaccinated, it can also help protect those who are more vulnerable, such as the elderly, young children, and people with certain health conditions. So, remember to get your annual flu shot and encourage those around you to do the same.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. Flu activity in California has reached a high level as national Flu Vaccine Week comes to an end, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC is reporting an 8% influenza positivity rate in California.
This season has been robust as in past years we are seeing an increase in the amount of patients coming in for flu vaccines this year," said Lauren Landeta who works with CVS.
According toCVS, 75% of people are planning to get a flu shot this year, 40% of which will get it somewhere other than the doctors office.
This year, there is something new to consider when making an appointment for older adults.
We have a brand new vaccine come out for RSV. This is for patients 60 years and older and whenever a new vaccine comes out, we want to make sure we are invested in patients, said Landeta.
RSV was a big concern for children during the pandemic but adults are the carriers. Pharmacists are emphasizing getting the RSV, flu and COVID vaccine ahead of the holiday season when people are gathering.
A big myth is that its too late in the season to get your flu vaccine. It is not too late, in fact, flu season does go through March and up to May sometimes so it is not too late to get your flu vaccine especially with family gatherings coming up. It is important to protect yourself, family and friends, said Landeta.
If you arent sure which vaccines you should get or when you should get them, chat with your doctor or schedule a consult with your local pharmacist.
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AMA Update covers a range of health care topics affecting the lives of physicians, residents, medical students and patients. From private practice and health system leaders to scientists and public health officials, hear from the experts inmedicineon COVID-19, medical education, advocacy issues, burnout, vaccines and more.
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AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, breaks down the latest vaccine news including why now is still a great time to get the flu vaccine and how your mood could impact how effective the flu vaccine is. She also discuss the latest rise in COVID-19 cases and the particularly hard impact COVID and RSV are having on children this year. Plus, key takeaways from CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohens Congressional testimony and details about the CDCs upcoming webinar with the AMA on respiratory virus season. AMA Chief Experience Officer Todd Unger hosts.
Unger: Hello and welcome to the AMA Update video and podcast. Today, we have our weekly look at the headlines with the AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia. I'm Todd Unger, AMA's chief experience officer in Chicago. Welcome back, Andrea.
Garcia: Todd, thanks for having me.
Unger: Well, let's start with discussion about our new CDC director, Dr. Mandy Cohen. She made her debut in front of Congress. Andrea, what did she discuss and what were the key takeaways?
Garcia: Yeah, so she certainly fielded a lot of questions about the CDC's early pandemic response, which of course, predated her tenure at the agency, as well as the spike in childhood pneumonia in China that we discussed last week and confirmed, again, that there's no evidence of a new or novel pathogen involved. A lot of time was spent on those two issues, but she also talked about where we are now with respiratory viruses in the U.S.
According to Dr. Cohen, RSV this season is in full swing. It may be close to peaking. Flu season is just beginning across most of the country, but those cases are accelerating quickly. She said, so far, the flu season looked like a typical season, and many more cases are expected in December and January.
Of the three, she said COVID still remains the most serious threat. Although those case levels are still relatively low, they are quickly rising and COVID is still the primary cause of respiratory virus-related hospitalizations and deaths. She said we're seeing about 15,000 hospitalizations. And I know that the number has gone up since that conversation. And about 1,000 deaths are happening every single week. So she really stressed the importance of vaccination.
Unger: Well, Andrea, speaking of respiratory illnesses and Dr. Cohen, I know that we are partnering with the CDC on a webinar with Dr. Cohen. Andrea, tell us a little bit about the webinar itself and how physicians can register.
Garcia: So the CDC and the AMA are teaming up to cohost a fireside chat about fall and respiratory virus season. We know that we're getting a lot of questions from physicians about how to protect themselves, their patients, their coworkers and their communities from flu, COVID and RSV. And so this webinar will cover vaccinations and other tools that can really keep everyone safe and healthy this season. It's taking place on December 12 at 1:45 P.M. Eastern time.
You mentioned it will feature CDC Director Mandy Cohen as well as the acting director of NCIRD Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who's been on this show before, and then of course, AMA's own immediate past chair and ACIP liaison, Dr. Sandra Fryhofer. You can register and submit questions in advance, and we'll be sure to drop the link in the description of this episode.
Unger: That's fantastic. And again, a reminderthat discussion will be taking place on December 12 at 1:45 P.M. Eastern time. And, as Andrea mentioned, you can find a description of that webinar and information about registering in the link to this in the description of this episode. Andrea, I thought I also read somewhere that this season has been particularly hard on children. Is that true?
Garcia: Yeah, unfortunately, it is. And data from the CDC shows that in the week ending November 18, more than 10% of doctor's visits among children younger than five in the U.S. were for influenza-like illness. That's about three times higher than average for all ages. And of course, it's well above that national baseline. There was an article on CNN about pediatric hospital beds. Those are filling up. Federal data shows that about three-fourths of pediatric hospital beds are currently in use nationwide, and capacity really hasn't been this strained since mid-December of 2022.
And as we just discussed, while COVID represents the vast majority of respiratory virus hospitalizations overall, RSV is the most common culprit among children, with weekly admission rates rising 69% since that first week of October. Hopefully, the assessment that we are nearing the peak for RSV is correct and we'll soon be seeing those cases come down.
Unger: Absolutely. Those are pretty astronomical numbers. Andrea, you also mentioned that flu season was just beginning, and that we expect many more cases soon. Are people out of time to get that flu shot or can they still get vaccinated?
Yes, in fact, this is National influenza vaccination week. It's the CDC's annual observance to remind people six months and older that there is still time to benefit from the protection of a flu vaccine this season. I think many people don't realize is that flu season can really go into the spring, and CDC data shows that last season flu vaccination coverage was low among certain high-risk groupsso pregnant people and children.
It's really critical to remind people that vaccination reduces the risk of illness and flu-related hospitalization if you do get sick. There is definitely still time to get that vaccine this season. CDC has put together a tool kit with shareable resources to help physicians get the word out to their patients. And we'll also be sharing the link to that tool kit in the description of this episode.
Unger: All right, that's great. Thank you for that information. And staying on the topic of flu vaccines for a minute, there's apparently a new study out there that suggests the vaccine may work better if you're in a good mood when you get it. Andrea, first of all, is that possible, and is that true?
Garcia: Well, there was an article that came out over the weekend in The Washington Post, which was based on the results of a British study that found that people who got the flu shot when they were in a positive mood produced higher levels of antibodies. The data on mood and vaccine is pretty limited, but there is some science behind the idea that lifestyle factorsso diet, exercise, even social interactionmay affect how much protection we get from vaccines and not just flu vaccines.
So, in general, if you are doing the things that we know keep you healthy, like getting enough sleep, regularly exercising and connecting with others, that might help strengthen your immune response. Even a short burst of exercise, like a brisk walk, after getting your vaccine could be helpful. Similarly, getting vaccinated on a particularly stressful day may lower your immune response.
Unger: So that might be a good excuse next time I want to avoid a stressful meetingjust tell people I've got a vaccine after this. Andrea, that's good to know. We also now have data indicating that it's safe for older people to get both the flu and the RSV vaccines at the same time, of course, saving them a trip. Tell us more about that.
Garcia: Yeah, so the CDC's recommendation has been that these vaccines can be coadministered. There is new data from a recent study that showed when given together, Pfizer's RSV vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine generated robust immune response and were well-tolerated among older adults when they were coadministered. The study also showed that immune response to both vaccines were noninferior when they were given at the same time compared with the vaccines when they were given a month apart. So those findings were published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, and this data should really help build confidence in coadministration of the vaccines and will hopefully help increase uptake.
Unger: Absolutely. That does sound like good news. I want to step back a second, go back to something you talked about earlier, which is COVID being one of the very serious threats right now. I know you said earlier that cases are rising. Have things changed a lot since last week?
Garcia: The variant we discussed last week, BA.2.86, is continuing to make headlines, and that's because it increased almost triple-fold over a two-week period. It's responsible for about 1 in 10 COVID cases right now. HV.1 is still the most prevalent COVID variant in the U.S., and it's making up about 31.7% of cases. Right now, all indicators are pointing to rising COVID numbers. And, as we've discussed before, wastewater tracking is one of those early indicators that health officials increasingly rely on to gauge that activity of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.
And we did see CDC launch a new wastewater data tracking dashboard, and that's great because it's making it easier to track local and national trends, even by variant. If we look at the data on that dashboard, wastewater SARS-CoV-2 detection are at high levels nationally and especially in the Midwest. When we look at severity indicators, hospitalizations are continuing to rise and emergency department visits are up about 10.6% compared to the previous week, and deaths are holding steady, but we know that those numbers are still far too high.
Unger: All right, well, we'll keep our eye on that because it sounds like we may have a couple of difficult months ahead of us. But on a longer-term front, there is some better news. It's that life expectancy is beginning to creep back up. Tell us more about what that means.
Garcia: Well, we could talk about this for hours because there are so many different factors that go into calculating this. But according to the preliminary data that CDC released last week, life expectancy in the U.S. has begun to climb again. It increased by more than a year from 2021 to 2022. In 2021, life expectancy at birth was 76.4. And in 2022, it's 77.5 years. That year-plus increase is largely due to a drop in COVID deaths, declines in deaths from heart disease, unintentional injuriesso think drug overdosescancer and homicide also contributed.
To put this in context, it represents a partial recovery. From 2019 to 2021, we lost about 2.4 years in life expectancy. And although those numbers are trending in the right direction, we still have a lot of work to do to get to where we should be, especially when we compare ourselves to other wealthy nations. Deaths from other diseases, like flu, pneumonia, fetal and infant conditions, and kidney disease all rose in 2022.
But it's not just diseases. The rate of suicide involving firearms in the U.S. has reached the highest level since officials began tracking it more than 50 years ago. So when you begin to dig deeper into these numbers, you really get a sense of some of the challenges that we still need to address as we head into the new year.
Unger: All right, thank you so much, Andrea, for joining us today and giving us all those important updates. That's it for today's AMA Update. We'll be back soon with another episode. If you enjoyed this discussion, make sure to support AMA by becoming a member at ama-assn.org/join. We'll be back soon with another AMA Update. Be sure to subscribe for new episodes and find all our videos and podcasts at ama-assn.org/podcasts. Thanks for joining us. Please take care.
Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed in this video are those of the participants and/or do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the AMA.
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Navigating the onset of flu season brings the annual challenge of distinguishing between the symptoms of the flu and common colds, a task made more complex by their occasional overlap. A flu shot can help protect against the flu, keeping your immune system strong enough to fight off other infections.
Flu symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and a runny or stuffy nose. It is difficult to differentiate influenza from COVID-19 or another respiratory virus, therefore seeking testing is critical to determine if treatment is needed as treatment is available for high risk individuals if diagnosed early in their disease process.
One common concern during flu season is the possibility of falling ill back-to-back, experiencing both the flu and another respiratory infection within a short timeframe. Unfortunately, it is indeed possible to contract different illnesses sequentially, therefore reinforcing your immune system by practicing good hygiene, getting adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of falling prey to multiple illnesses.
Read: The power of food as medicine during flu season
While getting a flu shot is recommended for all, it holds particular significance for individuals with compromised immune systems and cardiovascular risk factors.
Individuals with compromised immune systems face unique challenges during flu season, making vaccination a top priority. Conditions such as HIV/AIDS, certain cancers, organ transplants, and autoimmune diseases can weaken the body's ability to fight infections effectively. To protect against the flu, immunocompromised individuals are strongly encouraged to get a flu shot.
Another group who should be sure to be vaccinated against influenza are people with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or any other condition which raises the risk for heart attack. Infection with influenza significantly increases the risk for subsequent heart attack and multiple studies have shown the protective effect of yearly flu vaccine as an important way to prevent heart attacks.
Beyond immunocompromised individuals and those with cardiovascular risk factors, various groups should prioritize getting a flu shot to safeguard their health and the well-being of those around them. This includes:
Read: What to expect and how to protect your family this flu season
This flu season, Jennifer Veltman, MD, chair of infectious diseases, recommends prioritizing your health and those around you by getting a flu shot. Your decision to vaccinate is a powerful act of protection, contributing to a resilient community and a safer, healthier winter. Plus its always nice to stay out of the hospital during the holiday season and flu vaccine can certainly reduce your risk of hospitalization from flu!
To schedule a flu shot for you or your family, schedule a vaccine appointment onMyChartor contact Loma Linda University Primary Care at909-255-3236.
Every year, influenza, commonly known as the flu, affects countless individuals worldwide. Particularly vulnerable are those with underlying health conditions like diabetes or asthma. In fact, during past flu seasons, 9 out of 10 adults hospitalized with flu had at least one underlying health condition. This makes the flu shot an essential protective measure against this pervasive disease, especially for these at-risk individuals.
According to the Weekly Influenza Vaccination Dashboard provided by the CDC, vaccination data is consistently tracked, including coverage estimates for children, pregnant persons, adults, and adults 65+. The dashboard also offers insight into the locations administering these vaccinations, whether in pharmacies or medical offices. It emphasizes the importance of flu vaccination for people at higher risk of serious complications from influenza and encourages everyone 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine every season.
The Rhode Island Department of Health also advocates for vaccination against common respiratory viruses. With the holiday season approaching, gatherings and travel could increase the spread of these viruses. This makes it particularly important for older adults and individuals with underlying health issues to get vaccinated. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are widely available and can be received simultaneously. The department also provides information on additional preventative measures such as regular handwashing, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and staying home when sick.
A recent meta-analysis study suggests the flu vaccine may offer more protection than previously thought. The study indicates a significant decrease in the risk of heart attacks and deaths from cardiovascular diseases among vaccinated individuals. The researchers suggest that the flu vaccines ability to reduce inflammation caused by the flu, prevent secondary infections, and stabilize atherosclerotic plaque could contribute to these heart health benefits. Despite these findings, flu vaccination rates have dropped, particularly among adults over 65, a demographic that witnessed the highest flu-related deaths last year.
The CDC recommends influenza antiviral medications for adults with underlying conditions, particularly during periods of co-circulation of influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Oral oseltamivir and oral baloxavir are available treatment options for patients at higher risk for influenza complications depending on their underlying conditions and age. The use of peramivir or zanamivir in high-risk outpatients with influenza is limited. The highest risk for complications from influenza is for children younger than 2 years old. Antiviral treatment decisions should be based on knowledge of other circulating respiratory viruses as well as influenza virus strains.
The importance of influenza vaccination for adults with underlying conditions is further emphasized during National Influenza Vaccination Week. This event encourages action and provides educational resources to inform readers about the topic and the urgency of getting vaccinated.
With the widespread prevalence of influenza and the heightened risk for those with underlying conditions, it is clear that the flu shot is an essential protective measure. As researchers continue to uncover the additional benefits of the flu vaccine, it is crucial to promote awareness and encourage vaccination, particularly among the most vulnerable populations.
