The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that people get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as vaccine becomes available, as it is now in our community.

Vaccination before the end of December is best because this timing ensures that protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is typically at its highest.  Flu shots reduce your chances of fever, sore throat, muscle aches and other flu-like symptoms.

This year’s flu vaccine, just like last year’s, is designed with “swine flu” in mind, in that one of the three types of flu it protects against is H1N1 flu. One shot does it all this year (there is a nasal form if you hate needles).

Everyone who is six months and older should get an annual flu vaccine, the CDC recommends. It’s especially important that specific groups get vaccinated either because they are at high risk for serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing health complications related to the flu. These include:
• Pregnant women
• Children under 5, and especially children younger than 2 years old
• People 50 years of age and older
• Individuals of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• Individuals who live with or care for those at high risk for flu-related complications, including health care workers and parents of children less than 6 months of age (these children are considered too young to be vaccinated).

Some people should not receive a flu vaccine without first consulting their physician or health care provider. These include individuals who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, those who have previously experienced a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination, and individuals who have developed Guillain-Barre syndrome after a flu shot. Guillain-Barre syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks itself. Exactly what triggers this rare condition is unknown. The syndrome may occur at any age but is most common in men and women between ages 30 and 50.

In addition to getting vaccinated, other tips for staying healthy during the cold and flu season include proper hand-washing techniques (washing regularly with warm water and soap, and using a hand-sanitizer gel); avoiding contact with sick people whenever possible; enjoying a well-balanced diet; and remaining physically active.

Amparo-Armi Franco, MD, practices family medicine at St. Francis Medical Clinic in Federal Way, a part of the Franciscan Medical Group. Need a doctor? Call the Franciscan Physician Referral Line toll-free at 1-888-825-3227.