Flu Season Still Poses Danger
The worst part of influenza season is here, and the Calvert County Health Department is offering the flu vaccine to help combat this potentially deadly illness.
Vaccines are offered at the Calvert County Health Department Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and on Monday from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $20. The vaccine is also offered at most doctors’ offices and at many county pharmacies and supermarkets.
We are entering into the worst part of the flu season. Over the past two weeks, we have started to see a significant increase in influenza-related emergency room visits at Calvert Memorial Hospital. Typically, the greatest number of cases occur from mid-January through February. In an average year, influenza is the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. (36,000 deaths) and leads to almost a quarter-million hospitalizations.
This year, the number of people who suffer severe illness or die from complications of the flu is likely to be higher than average. The first part of this year’s flu season indicates the viral strain currently circulating is more dangerous than typical. The good news is that this season’s vaccine is an excellent match for the strain and should do a very good job of keeping people healthy. However, once someone receives vaccination, it takes two to three weeks to boost his or her immune system. This makes it extremely important to get vaccinated as soon as possible to maximize the chance of protection.
Pregnant women are at greater risk of severe complications from influenza than women who are not pregnant. These complications include severe pneumonia that could require intensive care treatment and higher chance of maternal death. Pregnant women are also at greater risk of premature delivery and resulting serious complications for their newborn infants.
All health experts agree on the safety and importance of vaccination during pregnancy.
Pregnant women who get vaccinated not only dramatically decrease risks to their unborn babies and themselves, but also pass their immunity to influenza to their newborns. Infants born to mothers who are vaccinated are much less likely to get sick. Influenza often causes dangerous illness in very young children. More than a dozen children under age 5 have already died in the U.S. this season due to flu infections.
In addition to influenza vaccination, people over age 64 and anyone with chronic lung disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, or weakened immune system should also ask a healthcare provider about a pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine helps prevent potentially life-threatening pneumonia from bacterial infection, w
