‘Help Stop the Flu’ Through Prevention

While many of us think of autumn as a time when the weather starts to cool down and the leaves begin to change different hues of yellow and red, I find myself also thinking of autumn as the beginning of flu season.

Each year in the United States, approximately 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu, resulting in more than 200,000 hospitalizations and an average of 23,600 deaths.

Fall is a busy time at Adventist HealthCare, as we work to provide flu vaccination to help protect our communities. Adventist is the largest provider of flu vaccine in Montgomery County outside of the county health department. We expect to provide more than 12,000 flu shots during the 2011/2012 season. We also host a Flu Roundtable with a panel of experts every year at the Universities at Shady Grove, as well as partnering with WTOP radio and M&T Bank to provide two free flu shot clinics.

I recommend all residents receive a flu shot this season to ‘Help Stop the Flu’. According to my colleague, Dr. Gaurov Dayal, Chief Medical Officer of Adventist HealthCare, it’s also important to take preventative steps, such as washing your hands thoroughly and consistently, coughing and sneezing into an elbow or sleeve instead of your hand, staying home when you are presenting flu-like symptoms, remain hydrated and well rested.

If you are concerned about the flu or flu vaccine, consult your physician. Here a few myth busters for you, regarding the flu and the flu vaccination.

• You cannot get the flu from the flu shot. The flu shot vaccine contains a dead virus, which cannot infect you. It’s possible if you present flu like symptoms that you were exposed to someone with a virus or cold prior to getting your flu shot.

• The flu vaccine is not dangerous. There is no evidence that connects vaccines to autism. However, if you’re still worried, there are thimerosal-free flu vaccines available.

For more information about influenza or the vaccine, visit www.HelpStopTheFlu.com.