FAMILY MEDICINE® COLUMN

By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

FAMILY PROBABLY NEEDS FLU SHOT, BUT CONSULT DOCTOR FIRST

Question: I didn’t get a flu shot last year and neither did anyone in my family. I am healthy, age 30 and have two healthy small children, ages 2 and 4. My husband is also healthy and age 33. Since we are all in good health, I feel getting a flu shot is just asking for trouble. What do you think? Should we get flu shots?

Answer: Flu season is just around the corner, so this is a timely question. Flu shots are given at different times depending on where you live. Usually the “flu season” is from the fall into early winter. Your doctor will know when to give flu shots in your locale, but usually this is done in October and November. You should be aware that influenza vaccination recommendations change from year to year based on research and medical knowledge.

Influenza is a major illness in the United States causing up to 20 percent of the population to get sick. Annually, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized, and about 36,000 people die from the flu. Some people are at greater risk than others. This includes older people, young children and people with chronic medical conditions, regardless of age.

Influenza can spread quite rapidly. This is due in part to the fact that you can spread it to another person for several days before you have any symptoms or are even aware that you are sick. Influenza can be spread from person to person in many different ways. One common route is by virus-laden droplets expelled into the air from coughing, sneezing or even talking. You can also get the virus by shaking hands or by touching a contaminated surface such as a table top, telephone, computer keyboard or even the steering wheel of your car. If you then touch your hands to your nose or mouth -- or even just rub your eyes -- the germ can enter your system.

So now to your question. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu shots for all people over age 65, and all adults or children with chronic medical conditions. The final recommendations for the 2006-2007 season are not out yet, but it is likely that flu shots will be recommended for all children 6 months to 5 years old as well as their household contacts. All health-care workers should be vaccinated as well as day-care providers and close contacts of people over 65. Any person in close contact with someone at high risk for influenza complications should get a shot.

Given the information in your question, including your young children, it would appear that you and the other members of your family probably should have a flu shot this year. However, your physician should make the final recommendation. Be sure he or she has all of the information about close contacts and household contacts.

Finally, there are a few people who should never get a flu shot. These include those with certain allergies or who have had reactions to the flu shot in the past, as well as children under 6 months old.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via e-mail to readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnose and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at www.familymedicinenews.org.

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