Arthritis News
Shoo Flu, Don't Bother Me
(Source: Arthritis Today)
Flu pandemics occur every 30 years or so, and the next one is overdue. Even if a flu pandemic doesn't strike this year, the flu season is bound to be a nasty one. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta say that a particularly dangerous strain, which caused a deadly flu outbreak in the western United States earlier this year, is on the rise. Fortunately, the World Health Organization reports this year's flu vaccines are formulated to protect against that deadly strain, called California A/H3N2. But the flu vaccine can't protect you if you don't get it, and the best time to get it is now.
Although flu vaccines (outside of a shortage) are available nearly year round, the best time for ensuring vaccine availability and flu protection is September through November. Much before that and you could get last year's vaccine; much later and you might be exposed to the flu before the vaccine has had time to take effect.
If you are older than 65, are pregnant, care for a young child, work in the health-care field or have a chronic disease that affects your immune system, you are in the high-risk category for the flu and its complications. And you are in the high-priority category for people receiving vaccinations against the influenza virus.
