With flu season starting, the Louisiana Department of Health reminds all residents of the importance of getting an annual flu vaccine.
The flu causes approximately 500 deaths and nearly 3,000 hospitalizations each year in Louisiana, and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States.
“We’re seeing flu activity early this year, and an annual flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu, which can be very serious, even deadly,” said Dr. Rebekah Gee, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health. “Flu shots have been proven, time and time again, to be both safe and effective, and I encourage everyone to take this important step to protect their communities this flu season.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Louisiana Department of Heath recommend a yearly flu shot for everyone over six months of age who does not have a complicating condition, such as a prior allergic reaction to the flu shot.
While recommended for everyone, getting a flu shot is especially crucial for people who may be at higher risk for serious complications. This includes babies and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions, and people 65 years of age and older.
Dr. Frank Welch, medical director for the Louisiana Department of Health Immunization Program, said that while the flu shot protects individuals from getting the flu, it also keeps people from spreading it to others who are more vulnerable.
“Some people are not eligible for a flu shot, which makes it especially important that others in the community get vaccinated,” Welch said. “Although a young, healthy person might not get very sick from the flu, they can be a carrier and pass it on to someone in a high-risk group who might become seriously ill.”
Welch added that the flu shot is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, who can pass on antibodies to their babies that will help protect them.
The flu shot starts to offer partial protection immediately, but takes about two weeks to offer full protection. Flu shots are now available at local pharmacies, clinics, doctor’s offices, and federally qualified (community) health centers. Check flushot.healthmap.org for a flu shot provider near you. Visit www.ldh.la.gov/fighttheflu for more information and resources.
The nasal flu spray has been shown to be ineffective over the past several years, and is no longer recommended by the CDC.