Reliant Medical Group Flu Information

Annual vaccination is the best way to avoid getting the flu or flu-related complications. Flu shots are helpful through February.

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Click here for government flu information from the CDC

The upcoming season's flu vaccine will protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus.

Please inform your health care provider if you are a patient with a history of recent exposure to swine and you are experiencing flu like symptoms. A new strain of flu, H3N2V, has emerged, but so far only in patients who have had contact with pigs. This strain requires special testing for diagnosis, but the treatment is identical to the standard flu virus.

Who should get vaccinated this season?

Everyone who is at least 6 months of age should get a flu vaccine this season. It’s especially important for some people to get vaccinated. Those people include the following:

• People who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu This includes
  • People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
  • Pregnant women.
  • People 65 years and older.
• People who live with or care for others who are high risk of developing serious complications
  • This includes household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.

A detailed list is available at Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Influenza. A complete list of health and age factors that are known to increase a person’s risk of developing serious complications from flu is available at People Who Are at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications.

Flu information courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov)