To prevent the flu from sneaking up on people again this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other organizations are getting the word out early on flu prevention. Expect to see an increase in attention about the flu in coming weeks and months.
In the meantime, here’s what you can do:
Educate yourself. The CDC is a great resource. Visit www.cdc.gov/flu.
Promote flu prevention in your company and community. There are a number of everyday preventative steps, like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. However, vaccines are the best protection against the flu. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine as the first important step in protecting against the flu. Promote the facts and help dispel common flu myths.
Do your research. More companies than ever are providing on-site flu vaccination programs for their employees. If you are thinking about an employee flu shot program make sure you find the right vendor for you. A good flu vaccination provider should make your job easy by providing convenient scheduling tools, promotional materials and a high level of clinical care.
Plan ahead. Scheduling a flu vaccination program now will ensure that you secure the program dates and times that are best for your company. It can take about two weeks for the vaccination to take full effect so try to host a vaccination program early in the season.
FLU MYTHS DISPELLEDThere are many myths about the flu that are keeping people from doing more to prevent it. Below, find common flu myths dispelled.3
Myth #1: You can get the flu from a flu shot.
False. Injectable flu vaccines are composed of pieces of inactivated flu proteins and it’s impossible for them to cause the flu.
Myth #2: Flu shots don’t work.
False. When there is a good match between the viruses causing disease and those in the vaccine, protection is excellent in otherwise healthy people. Protection is lower if you are unhealthy or in the frail elderly group. Vaccines are not perfect but are the best protection available against serious injury and death.
Myth #3: Flu vaccines are dangerous, especially for pregnant women.
False. Flu vaccines are safe for expectant mothers and are highly recommended.
Myth #4: If you don’t get the vaccine early, don’t bother.
False. While it’s better to get vaccinated before flu season begins (it can take about two weeks for the vaccination to take full effect) it’s never too late to get a flu vaccine.
Myth #5: It’s just the flu. What’s the big deal.
In an average year, 40,000 Americans die from influenza and its complications, and over 250,000 are hospitalized. Flu is responsible for 200 million days of diminished productivity and 75 million days of work absence.4
This article was provided by Affiliated Physicians, a national corporate healthcare services company specializing in providing on-site flu vaccination programs. For more than 15 years, Affiliated Physicians has provided flu vaccinations for companies across the country and distributes more than 250,000 flu shots to over 2,500 locations annually. For more information, visit www.affiliatedphysicians.com.
References:
1.2012-2013 Flu Season Drawing to a Close. March 29, 2013. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/2012-2013-flu-season-wrapup.htm.
2.Kennedy E. Influenza Vaccination Coverage: How well did we do in 2012-13. Presented at the National Adult and Influenza Summit. Atlanta, GA. May 15, 2013.
3.Flu myths and legends: Mayo Clinic expert dispels 5 common flu misconceptions. January 28, 2013. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2013-rst/7290.html.
4.Benson V, Marano M. Current estimates from the National Health Interview Survey, 1995. Vital Health and Health Statistics (National Center for Health Statistics; Hyattsville, MD). 1998 (199).