A challenging flu season

Seasonal flu vaccination clinics administered by the Aurora Visiting Nurse Association will resume Nov. 18th.

No appointment is necessary. Shoo The Flu & Pneumonia Too! clinics offer vaccinations against Seasonal flu to people age 9 and up. Children 9 through 17 must be accompanied by a parent.

Flu is a contagious disease that causes a lot of illness, hospitalizations and deaths. This year is twice as challenging with seasonal flu and H1N1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds us that seasonal flu vaccine is just as important as H1N1. Protection from both requires separate vaccinations.

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This fall’s influenza season presents significant challenges as we cope with both the seasonal flu and with the H1N1 pandemic. Together these viruses pose a significant public health threat.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection recommends that you protect yourself by getting vaccinated. Two vaccinations will be required this year – one for seasonal influenza and one for the H1N1 flu.

Recent developments have created an extra challenge. Shipments of seasonal flu vaccine were disrupted as vaccine suppliers switched production to the H1N1 vaccine. This has resulted in shortages of seasonal flu vaccine in Wisconsin and throughout the country. The limited supplies of seasonal vaccine will mean a temporary interruption in seasonal vaccinations at doctors offices, public flu clinics, pharmacies and other locations.

Aurora remains confident that in time it will receive all of the seasonal vaccine it has ordered and will be able to resume vaccinations for the seasonal flu. The seasonal flu usually does not peak until January or February, so there will be plenty of time to get a seasonal flu shot.

Vaccine for protection against the H1N1 flu has just begun arriving in Wisconsin. The early shipments of H1N1 vaccine are designated for health care workers and emergency services personnel. The expectation is that the H1N1 vaccine will be available to others in the coming weeks.

One tool that may be helpful for people experiencing “flu-like” symptoms is available from the federal government. The "H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation" tool is designed for individuals 18 years of age or older and can help determine if a person has influenza and whether someone should seek further medical attention.

In the coming weeks, we’ll provide updates on the status of vaccine supplies and information on how to receive the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines.

Flu prevention

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall. In addition to the vaccine, these steps can help stop the spread of flu:

Stay healthy – get plenty of rest, eat a well balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
If you get flu symptoms, stay home from work or school. The CDC recommends staying home and limiting contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs spread this way.
Wash your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based gel.