Town of East Longmeadow

TAKE CARE THIS FLU SEASON

Flu Vaccine Shortage

As you have probably heard, there will be limited supply of vaccine for influenza, or “flu,” this season. This is because the British government, citing safety concerns, has shut down a drug plant that produces almost half of the flu vaccine for the United States. In response to the shortage, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that the available supply be given to those most in need.

According to the CDC, those most in need of flu shots include:

• those aged 65 and older

• persons aged 2–64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions

• all children aged 6–23 months

Other individuals who may be given priority for flu shots include:

• women who will be pregnant during the influenza season

• residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities

• children aged 6 months–18 years on chronic aspirin therapy

• health care workers involved in direct patient care

• out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged <6 months

Some Questions and Answers Regarding the Flu

Q: Are there alternatives to the flu vaccine shot? A: Yes. An alternative is FluMist®, a nasal flu vaccine that can be used by healthy children, adolescents, and adults, aged 5 to 49. FluMist is a covered benefit in BCBSMA’s managed care plans. Check with your physician to see if FluMist is appropriate for you.

Q: I’m not in a high risk group, but I want to take steps to avoid getting the flu. What can I do? A: The most important thing you can do to is to wash your hands – thoroughly and regularly. This will help you wash away germs that you have picked up from other people, from contaminated surfaces, or from animals. When you pick up germs from other sources, you can infect yourself when you touch your eyes, your nose, or your mouth. Also, avoid close contact with people who are sick, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing - it may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Q: Are there any drugs I can take for the flu after I’ve got it? A: Yes. Tamiflu, Relenza, Amantidine, and Flumadine are antiviral drugs that are used to relieve the symptoms of influenza. There are also some generic antivirals that may help relieve symptoms as well. Consult with your health care provider to learn if any of the brand or generic antivirals are appropriate for you.

Q: I’ve got the flu, but I’ve got important things to do. Any advice? A: If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Also, if you can, try to be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to work or other activities. While at home it’s especially important to cover your mouth when coughing, wash your hands, and avoid contact with family members whose resistance to illness might be impaired.

Q: What steps can I take to treat the flu? A: There are a number of steps you can take, including:

• Get plenty of rest.

• Drink lots of hot liquids. This will soothe your throat, help unplug your nose, and “re-hydrate” your body.

• Lubricate your throat by sucking on lozenges or hard candies.

• Again, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing - it may prevent those around you from getting sick.

• If you need to cough, cough! Don’t suppress coughs that bring up mucus. You may need to ask your health care provider to prescribe an over-the-counter expectorant.

• Don’t drink milk or eat dairy products for several days. These products make it hard for some people to cough up mucus.

• Take regular doses of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium. However, be sure to check with your health care provider to make sure that these treatments are appropriate for you.

For more information on preventing and treating the flu, visit www.ahealthyme.com and the CDC web site: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ . For up-to-date flu information, call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, toll free, at 866-627-7968 or visit www.mass.gov/dph/flu .