It's That Wonder-Flu Time of Year

Back-to-school time, changes in the weather and the autumnal equinox add up to the inevitable: a new flu season.

Statistics estimate that an average of 23,600 people die from the flu each year. According, to the Will County Health Department, the H1N1 virus sent more than 250,000 U.S. residents to the hospital during the 2009-10 flu season.

The flu is a respiratory disease that spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and droplets containing the virus are emitted into the air for someone else to inhale.

Last year's pandemic — H1N1, which was widely known as swine flu — again is expected to be one of this year's circulating viruses. But it's difficult to predict if this flu season will be mild or severe, officials say.

"Based on what we saw a year ago, it fuels the expectation that it will be a fairly active flu season," said Vic Reato, spokesman for the Will County Health Department.

According to the Centers for Disease Control , the 2010-11 flu vaccine is designed to protect against the H1N1 virus, an H3N2 virus, and an influenza B virus.

Every year, the World Health Organization selects three influenza strains to include in the vaccine — strains predicted to be the most prevalent in a given season. But even if the vaccine doesn't match up exactly with the predictions, it still helps to be immunized.

Bolingbrook Walgreen's Pharmacist James Hill expects this year's vaccine will be "very effective if the strain that's in the shot is the one causing the flu."

He added that even if it's not the same, getting the shot will reduce the length and severity of the flu for those who catch it.

Hill recommends people eat a balanced diet, exercise, get plenty of rest and consider a Vitamin D supplement in addition to getting the vaccine to prevent the flu.

Body aches and fever distinguish the flu from the common cold, he said. People with those symptoms should see their doctor, especially if they have an underlying medical condition. Mild cases of the flu can be treated with over-the-counter medications for fever and respiratory relief.

People who are allergic to vaccines or eggs, gentamicin, neomycin, thimerosal, and people with certain brain or neurologic disorders or Guillain-Barre syndrome should not get the flu vaccine, Hill said.

The CDC recommends the shot for everyone older than six months.

Reato said those who are eligible should get the vaccine as soon as they can. Though initial availability appeared sufficient, Will County has received less than half of their original order, he said.

"Invariably, a shortage does arrive," Reato said. 

The supply the health department does have on hand will go to support Senior Services of Will County. As more shipments arrive, the county will open its program to all residents. The remainder of the vaccine is expected to arrive late this month.

Bolingbrook residents who need a flu shot can make an appointment at the Will County Health Department Bolingbrook Clinic by calling 815-740-8143. 

For more information on this year's flu and vaccination, visit the Will County Health Department on the web.