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Those who are homebound and in need of a seasonal flu vaccine are encouraged to contact VNA's Customer Care Department at 630-978-2532 for details on VNA's at-home immunization service.
Click here for Avian influenza (bird flu) virus information. |
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VNA SEASONAL FLU SHOT INFORMATION
Stay healthy this flu season
If you would like a flu shot please call VNA at 630-978-2532.
In 2009-2010, a new and very different flu virus (called 2009
H1N1) spread worldwide causing the first flu pandemic in more
than 40 years. CDC expects the 2009 H1N1 virus to cause illness
again this upcoming season along with other seasonal flu viruses.
The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1 and
two other influenza viruses.
Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or
stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people
may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with
the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
You can Fight the Flu -
3 steps to take now
Vaccine experts agree that everyone 6 months and older should
get a flu shot this season. Influenza is a contagious respiratory
illness caused by a virus. It causes mild to severe illness,
and can lead to death. Serious flu complications are more likely
to be found in older people, young children and people with certain
health conditions. If you are not in a high risk group, you can
do your part to prevent spreading the flu to those around you
by getting vaccinated.
As the flu season approaches, VNA and the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) urge you to take 3 steps to protect yourself and
others from the flu:
1) Make it a priority to get your flu shot - Details
- A yearly vaccine in the first and most important
step in protecting against the flu viruses.
- The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against an
influenza A H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the 2009 H1N1
virus that caused so much illness last season.
- People at high risk of serious flu complications
include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic
health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease
and people 65 years and older.
- Vaccinations of high risk persons
is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu
illness.
- Vaccination also is important for health care workers,
and other people who live with or care for high risk people
to keep from spreading flu to high risk people.
2) Take everyday
preventive actions to stop the spread of germs - Details
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you
cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use
it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap
is not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread
this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are
sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay
home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except
to get medical care or for other necessities. Your fever should
be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
- While
sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep
from infecting them.
3) Take flu antiviral
drugs if your doctor prescribes them - Details
- If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can treat your
illness.
- Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. They
are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder)
and are not available over-the-counter.
- Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten
the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications.
- It's very important that antiviral drugs be used early (within
the first 2 days of symptoms) to treat people who are very
sick (such as those who are hospitalized) or people who are
sick with flu symptoms and who are at increased risk of severe
flu illness, such as pregnant women, young children, people
65 and older and people with certain chronic health conditions.
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