Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that plagues about 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population and puts more than 200,000 people in the hospital every flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The flu may cause severe illness and life-threatening complications for people of all ages. The best way to protect yourself from contracting the flu and avoid transmitting the virus to others is to receive the seasonal flu vaccine every year. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against the dangerous 2009 H1N1 and two other influenza viruses, which comes in the form of a shot or nasal spray. Although the CDC recommends everyone receive the flu vaccine, it is strongly advised for certain groups of people, such as these:
- Young children
Children younger than 5, especially 6 months and older, should get a flu vaccine because they can easily contract the virus from daily interactions and unclean hands. Children also have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to developing serious flu-related complications. Children who have chronic health problems, like asthma, diabetes and heart disease have a greater risk for complications from the flu and should be vaccinated every season. Even though children under 6 months old are at the greatest risk for flu complications, they cannot receive the vaccine. The CDC recommends all members of the child’s household and caregivers be vaccinated to protect the infant. - Health care workers
Health care workers, including doctors, nurses and even medical students, need to get vaccinated because they are constantly surrounded by patients who may have the flu. Without vaccination, the health care worker is at risk for becoming infected and transmitting the virus to others. Considering the amount of influenza outbreaks every year, many of which are hospitalized, health care workers need to be healthy to treat patients. - Pregnant women
Pregnant women are another group who should receive the flu vaccination, because the flu can cause serious complications during pregnancy, such as pneumonia and preterm labor that may put the mother and baby in danger. Getting a seasonal flu shot during pregnancy is not only safe, but it also may protect your baby from getting the flu after birth, which is important for infants who can’t be vaccinated until they are 6 months old. Pregnant women cannot receive the nasal-spray flu vaccine, only the flu shot. - Nursing home residents
People who live or work in a nursing home or long-term care facility should be vaccinated. Elderly people account for the most influenza deaths overall, and are strongly urged to get the flu shot to protect themselves and prevent transmitting the virus to others. Elderly people also tend to have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to contract the virus. Employees of a nursing home or long-term care facility should also be vaccinated because of their prolonged exposure to patients. - Older adults
Older adults, specifically 50 years of age and older, are advised to get the flu vaccination every season. Although many people over 50 years old are healthy, there are plenty of individuals who are considered high-risk patients because they have chronic health conditions or have weakened immune systems. People 65 years of age and older are the most at risk for flu complications and account for the majority of influenza deaths in the nation. - People with chronic medical conditions
People who suffer from a chronic medical condition at any age are strongly advised to get vaccinated. Someone who is battling an ongoing medical condition typically has a weakened immune system and could easily contract the flu virus, especially at hospitals and doctors’ offices. In addition to the patient, caretakers and family members should also be vaccinated for their safety and the safety of the patient. - Teachers
Whenever students have the flu, teachers are at risk for contracting the virus too. The constant exposure to people, like students and faculty, make it easier for the virus to be transmitted from person to person. It’s in a teacher’s best interest to get the flu shot to protect him or herself and prevent transmission of the virus to others. - People with weakened immune systems
People with weakened immune systems are some of the most at-risk individuals for flu complications, because their bodies don’t fight infections as well as someone with a healthy immune system. If someone with a weakened immune system contracts the flu, they will generally take longer to fight the viral infection and face serious complications from the virus. It’s vital for these individuals to get the flu vaccination every season for their own safety and the safety of others. - Home caregivers
Both household and out-of-home caregivers are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated because of their exposure to high-risk individuals, including children, elderly people and people with chronic medical conditions. Home caregivers are much like nurses because they are depended on to monitor the health and well-being of certain individuals. Therefore, caregivers need to be vaccinated to remain healthy and prevent transmitting the flu to others. - People who live with or care for high-risk individuals
People who live with or care for individuals who are at high-risk for flu complications should be vaccinated, as well. People can contract the virus and bring it home to their family members, roommates and anyone who lives in your residency. Therefore, it’s very important to get vaccinated so you and high-risk individuals won’t be in danger. (MRI Technician training)
© 2010 MRI Technician Training
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