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March 11, 2008
Influenza Update
The American Lung Association applauds a federal health panel for its recent unanimous vote to recommend (as soon as feasible but no later than the 2009-2010 influenza season) annual influenza vaccination on all children 6 months up to 18 years of age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made the recommendation to protect influenza infection in children as well as reduce the risk of spreading this serious virus to their parents, grandparents, teachers and others with whom they have close contact.
For the current 2007-2008 season in the United States, influenza activity during January and into February, according to ongoing reports from the CDC. The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination throughout the winter and into spring for anyone who wishes to reduce their risk.
Immunization is especially important for high-risk individuals and their close contacts, including: Adults and children with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or diabetes; Children 6 months up to 5 years of age; People aged 50 years and older; Pregnant women; Residents of long-term care facilities and nursing homes; Health-care professionals; and Others in close contact with anyone at risk - parents, grandparents, siblings, babysitters, child care providers
Getting vaccinated against influenza every year is the best way to protect against influenza. Even if the strains that are infecting people are not all included in the vaccine, you will still receive what is called cross-protection. This means antibodies you will get from the vaccine will give some protection against these different strains, and often will make illness milder and will prevent complications.
Although we cannot predict when influenza will hit and how severe each season will be, we do know that vaccination, frequent hand washing and covering your cough will help prevent the spread of this serious virus.
For more information on this year's influenza season, please visit the CDC's Web site - www.cdc.gov/flu.
I also encourage you to visit the American Lung Association's Faces of Influenza Campaign to learn more about who should be immunized against influenza and how to find a clinic near you using our Flu Clinic Locator. The campaign features many famous and not-so-famous "faces" - including actress and mother Jennifer Garner - who are all recommended to receive an annual influenza vaccination and are committed to preventing the disease among their loved ones.
Posted by lungblogposter at 11:45 AM | Comments (0)
