Pulse of Florida

Medical Bulletin

Aug 15, 2009

November is American Diabetes Month

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Flu season is upon us. Time to seek protection.

Yearly flu vaccination should begin in September or as soon as vaccine is available and continue throughout the influenza season, into December, January, and beyond. This is because the timing and duration of influenza seasons vary. While influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later.

 

Who should get vaccinated

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended by ACIP that certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications. During flu seasons when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, ACIP makes recommendations regarding priority groups for vaccination.

People who should get vaccinated each year are:

• Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including health care workers, household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu, and household contacts and caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

For more information, visit the CDC website.

Keep the germs away. Tips for staying healthy

In preparation for cold and flu season, there are a few things you can do to keep you and your family healthy throughout the winter months.  Here are a few tips offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .