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$Title{Are Flu Shots Really Necessary?}
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Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Are Flu Shots Really Necessary?


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QUESTION:  Every year about this time we get bombarded with articles about the
need for flu shots.  However, my husband claims that it is nothing but another
way of making people see there doctor and spend more money.  I could use some
of your counsel and advice, as to the true worth of these immunizations, and
if we should spend the money.  What do you think?

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ANSWER:  Each year I receive many questions about flu shots at this time of
the year, and I haven't changed my opinion yet.  If you have ever suffered
through a bout of the flu, as I have, you will realize why.  It is a serious
disease, and the week of muscle aches and pain, fatigue, fever and coughing
and sneezing is a miserable one, and one you wouldn't wish to repeat.  It
would be all right if you became immune to the flu virus after such an
experience, but each year we see new forms of the virus, and remain vulnerable
to its effects.  Last year a "B" strain ran through our population but this
year experts are predicting an "A" strain which is usually more severe.  And
don't be fooled by an ever present myth that the flu shot can give you the
flu.  The vaccine is made from an inactivated or "split" virus which activates
your immune system but can not produce the disease.
     If you look at the statistics for 1989 (the last year for which these
numbers are available) you can get a good idea how serious this infection is.
About 45,000 people were hospitalized with the flu and almost 200,000 more
hospitalized patients had the flu as one of several diseases.  Complications
of the flu, including pneumonia, may kill as many as 10,000 to 20,000
Americans each year.  Here, according to the Centers for Disease Control, are
the people most at risk for complications who should act now and get their
shots promptly.  (1) All those 65 years or older.  (2) Adults and children
with chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular disease, including children with
asthma.  (3) Anyone who during the previous year needed hospitalization or
regular medical follow up for chronic metabolic disease (including diabetes),
kidney problems, immune system disorders (including AIDS), and those with
blood abnormalities known as hemoglobinopathies.  (4) Since there is an
association between the flu and aspirin in children (with the potential of
causing a fatal condition known as Reye's syndrome) children who require long
term aspirin therapy should be immunized.
     To the above list should be added all those individuals whose occupations
bring them in regular contact with the members of high risk groups.  This
would include doctors, nurses, health workers, visiting nurses and home health
care providers.
     Flu shots can be quite effective, between 70 percent an 80 percent in
high risk populations.  It takes about two weeks after the injection for the
immune system to get up to speed, but the protection lasts for several months.
And now to cost.
     No, this is not some con job to get you into your doctor's offices, nor
is the cost way out of line.  Just a bit of research on your part may enable
you to obtain your immunization for little or no cost.  Contact your local
county health department and ask about the possibility of receiving your shots
through a public health clinic.  Some counties establish special immunization
sessions, and frequently offer the injection to senior citizens and people at
high risk at greatly reduced fees.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.