DesotoExplorer.com / Officials urge immunizations as annual flu season approaches

Archive for Thursday, September 18, 2008

It's time to get your annual flu shot, health officials advise.

September 18, 2008

Flu season just around the corner

Chilly nights means autumn is on the way. And as the leaves start to change, it's also the start of flu season. 6News reporter Lindsey Slater has a preview of what this year's flu bug has in store and a few ways you can stay flu-free. Enlarge video

Flu season is just around the corner, and with the early onset of pleasant days and chilly nights, it might be even closer than you think.

"When the weather starts getting colder, people start staying inside more and they're closer together," said DeeAnne Schoenfeld, the immunization charge nurse for the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department. "I've not heard anything about the particular flu viruses coming over earlier : but just sharing the common spaces can certainly do that."

This year, a record number of flu vaccines are expected to be available; 143 million doses will be sent out in the middle of October. And now children from the ages of 6 months to 18 years are being recommended for the flu shot.

"Kids are germ monsters," Schoenfeld said. "They've actually raised the recommendation. It was up to 5 years of age. Now it's up to 18."

This year's vaccine will be a little different from that of previous years.

"For the first time in a few years, they're changing all three components, all three viruses," said Patty Quinlan, nursing supervisor at Kansas University's Watkins Health Center, which receives 2,500 doses each flu season. "They found that last year's vaccine did not mimic the actual viruses going around."

While getting a flu shot is recommended, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and others from getting sick.

"Wash you hands. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Stay home if you're sick," Schoenfeld said. "Just keep your germs to yourself."

Quinlan also reminds people not to share drinks, utensils or hand towels. "Just be aware of what you're doing on your personal hygiene to protect others."

Flu season usually stretches from November to April.