WINTER NEWSLETTER

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Winter 2004

Newsletter Contents:
A Message from the Administrator
Do You Need The Flu Vaccine?

A MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR

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DO YOU NEED THE FLU VACCINE?

The doctors at Weaverville Family Medicine are already seeing this winter's first cases of the flu. If you think you might have the flu, call 645-3066 to schedule an appointment. You can be tested and treated for the flu. Treatment is time-sensitive, so the earlier you are diagnosed, the better the treatment will work.

To protect yourself and those you love, get immunized against influenza. The best time is before "flu season" starts, during October and November, but you can still get vaccinated in December and beyond.

Who Should Be Immunized?

· adults age 50 and older
· infants aged 6 months to 23 months
· anyone with a chronic health condition
· children 6 months to 8 years old getting flu vaccine for the first time
· women who will be more than 3 months pregnant during flu season (typically November-March)
· health care workers
· household contacts or caregivers of adults or children at high risk

Flu Vaccine Facts and Myths

"People can die from the flu." TRUE
Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious disease of the lungs, and it can lead to pneumonia. Each year about 114,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die because of the flu. Most who die are 65 years and older. But small children less than 2 years old are as likely as those over 65 to have to go to the hospital because of the flu.

"Even if I get flu vaccine, I can still get a mild case of the flu." TRUE
The vaccine usually protects most people from the flu. Sometimes a person who receives flu vaccine can get the flu but will be far less sick than without the vaccine. Flu vaccine will not protect you from other viruses that sometimes feel like the flu.

"The side effects are worse than the flu." FALSE
The worst side effect you're likely to get with injectable vaccine is a sore arm. The nasal mist flu vaccine might cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat and cough. The risk of a rare allergic reaction is far less than the risk of severe complications from influenza.

"Not everyone can take flu vaccine." TRUE
You might not be able to get this protection if you are allergic to eggs (used in making the vaccine), are very ill with a high fever, or have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.

"Only older people need flu vaccine." FALSE
Adults and children with conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease need to get flu vaccine. People who are active and healthy can benefit from the protection the flu vaccine offers.

"You must get a flu vaccine before December." FALSE
Flu vaccine can be given before or during the flu season. While the best time to get flu vaccine is October or November, getting immunized in December or later can still protect you against the flu. Ask your doctor if you need the flu vaccine.

Please join us this spring, for the next edition of the Weaverville Family Medicine Newsletter.
Do you have questions about The Weaverville Family Medicine Newsletter? For medical questions, please contact us at 645-3066. If you have a website related question or comment, then please contact our website manager.

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