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Get a Flu Shot
The H1N1 fl u has grabbed the headlines this year, but it’s still
important to be vaccinated against the seasonal fl u. Rear Adm.
Joyce Johnson, D.O., discusses both fl us.
G
etting a flu shot every fall is H1N1 vaccine increases, you can determine
a ritual of preventive medicine. whether it also is appropriate for you.
You can fi nd vaccination clinics at Seasonal fl u and H1N1 fl u have many
local pharmacies, churches, community similarities: Both present with similar
centers, and worksites. The vaccine also is symptoms, including fever, headache, leth-
offered at most primary care clinics. It usu- argy, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose,
ally costs $25 or less. Military treatment and muscle aches. The incubation period
facilities offer the fl u vaccine at no charge, (time from exposure to onset of symptoms)
Medicare pays for fl u vaccination, and the for both fl us is one to four days. Both fl us
fl u vaccine often is covered by other insur- spread from person to person, especially
Seasonal Vaccine
ance, especially if it is administered during through coughing and sneezing.
Right for Most
a visit for another medical issue. Seasonal fl u and H1N1 also have some
■ About 200,000 people It’s important to get a shot every year, differences. Seasonal fl u generally is most
are hospitalized due to
because the vaccine is tailored to prevent prevalent in fall and winter, whereas H1N1
seasonal flu each year,
the most common fl u strains, which change has been a spring and summer disease
and 36,000 die from flu-
related complications.
each year. The seasonal fl u vaccine is rec- in the U.S. Seasonal fl u is most serious in
Whether or not you de-
ommended especially for those at high risk the elderly, while H1N1 thus far has re-
cide to be vaccinated for of complications from the fl u — children, sulted in more hospitalizations of younger
the H1N1 flu, you proba-
people over 50 years old, pregnant women, people. People with H1N1 more often ex-
bly should get a seasonal
people with certain chronic illnesses, those perience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
flu shot now.
living in long term care facilities, and those A vaccination for one fl u type will not pre-
who live with or care for people who have vent you from getting sick with the other.
the fl u or are at high risk for it. Similar measures help prevent both fl us:
Those who generally should not re- wash hands thoroughly and often, dispose
ceive the vaccine include people with of dirty tissues, and cover all coughs and
egg allergies, a history of Guillain-Barré sneezes (even if it means using your shirt
syndrome, or a serious adverse reaction sleeve). If you get sick, stay home and away
to the vaccine in the past. from others to minimize transmission.
This year, the fl u inoculation situation Editor’s note: A column about clinical
is more complex because, in addition to trials was postponed to December to offer
the seasonal fl u vaccine, there also is a readers this timely information. MO
vaccine for H1N1 (previously called swine
fl u). The FDA approved the fi rst H1N1
— Rear Adm. Joyce Johnson, USPHS-Ret.,
vaccine Sept. 15, 2009, with the fi rst doses
D.O., M.A., is vice president, Health Sciences,
Battelle Memorial Institute, Arlington, Va. Find
available in October for those at highest
more health and wellness resources at www
risk. A seasonal fl u shot is appropriate for
.moaa.org/wellness. For submission information,
most people now; as the supply of the see page 20.
48 MILITARY OFFICER NOVEMBER 2009 PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT
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dr.indd 48 99/28/09 8:31 PM/28/09 8:31 PM
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