The influenza virus is coming once again to cause fevers and
aches in those unlucky enough to catch the bug, but there is at
least one bright spot this year in the battle against the perennial
illness.
Hollister – The influenza virus is coming once again to cause fevers and aches in those unlucky enough to catch the bug, but there is at least one bright spot this year in the battle against the perennial illness.
Unlike last season, there is enough flu vaccine to go around this year. In 2004, at least 46 million doses of the vaccine meant for the U.S. were never shipped because a major vaccine producer’s license was suspended, leaving only enough of it to vaccinate people with a high risk of catching the virus.
This year, having an ample supply of influenza vaccine is good news. When it comes to fending off the flu, getting vaccinated is the best thing you can do, according to Muree Reafs, nursing director for the San Benito county Public Health Department.
“For the most part, the flu vaccine is very effective,” she said.
Monica Johnson, director of clinical services for Kaiser Permanente Gilroy Medical Offices and a Hollister councilwoman, said that getting vaccinated can also have other benefits as well, such as making colds and bronchitis less severe.
“Basically, it boosts your immune system,” she said.
While everybody should get vaccinated against the flu, it crucial that at-risk people roll-up their sleeves and get their shots immediately, according to Reafs. The at-risk category includes adults older than 65 and children from 6 to 23 months old. Also, pregnant women and children and adults with chronic health problems should get vaccinated.
The vast majority of people get flu vaccinations from their primary health care provider, according to a statement released by the county Health and Human Services Agency. Local pharmacies and clinics are also offering vaccinations.
In Hollister, Safeway Pharmacy will be giving vaccinations on Nov. 9 from 3 to 7pm for $25.
Sav-On Pharmacy, located inside Albertsons, will give vaccinations on Nov. 16 from 10am to 2pm also for $25.
The Visiting Nurses Association will hold a flu shot clinic Nov. 16 from 10am to 1pm at Veterans memorial Building. Vaccinations will be $30.
The San Benito Health Foundation gives vaccinations to high-risk patients by appointment for $20.
In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other precautions people can take to prevent the spread of flu, according to Reafs.
– Stay at home when you’re sick and avoid contact with others.
– Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of used tissues.
– Wash your hands with soap and warm water or a hand sanitizer and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
– Eat healthy food and drink plenty of water.
Getting vaccinated and taking precautions are important because there’s no way to tell how bad a particular flu season will be, Reafs said.
“They (state health officials) don’t speculate,” she said, adding that the state keeps statistics on who tests positive for the flu.
Last year, there was a nationwide shortage of flu vaccine because about half of the nation’s vaccines weren’t shipped after vaccine producer, Chiron, had its license to make the vaccine suspended for three months due to contamination problems.
Luke Roney covers local government and the environment for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at [email protected]
