With winter approaching, federal and state officials are reminding the public about influenza. The virus that claims 20 thousand lives annually. NHPR's Dan Gorenstein has more.
With winter approaching, federal and state officials are reminding the public about influenza. The virus that claims 20 thousand lives annually. NHPR?s Dan Gorenstein has more.
One way to prevent staying home in bed on those cold winter mornings with a runny nose and cough, or achy pains with a fever, is by getting a flu shot. Routinely, people receive the vaccinations between October and the middle of Decemeber.
Sfx: Flu shot
This year, with many concerned about anthrax, resident nurse Kathleen Lawrence says some individuals are eager to be immunized so if they experience any flu-like symptoms, at least the flu can be crossed off the list.
But with 10-20 percent of the population affected by the flu, the likelihood of contracting influenza is much higher than anthrax. Lawrence recommends getting a shot once a year.
4:10 b/c it mutates, it?s a smart virus. It?s been around for a long time.
State medical director Dr. William Kassler b/c the virus mutates so quickly, new strains of the flu emerge. To handle this ever-changing virus, the Center for Disease Control tracks it globally. That way, says Kassler, the current year?s flu shot is 70-90 percent effective against the virus strains from last year.
9:02 We can predict, with some accuracy, what the likely strains are. WE look world wide, and we know about how quickly they spread. So we know this system of surveillance and creating influenza vaccine based on last year?s virus has put us in good stead. We think it?s the best way to go.
In New Hampshire, 65 percent of all seniors and 83 percent of all children receive the vaccination. State Health officials suggest those who have not yet received the shot call the local health department for scheduled vaccinations. For NHPR News, I?m DG
