Thursday, January 27, 2011

Seasonal Influenza (Flu)

Per UCSF Medical Center Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Josh Adler, influenza cases have recently increased in Southern California and have been reported as widespread in the East Coast and the South. Currently, the predominant flu strains are all ones which are contained in this year’s vaccine.

This information, along with the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that the flu vaccine is recommended for most everyone 6 months and older, is a great reason to get your flu shot now.

Flu Activity Map for the week ending January 15, 2011
[From the CDC]

People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications
[From the CDC]


Who Should Not Be Vaccinated
There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. These include:
  • People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
  • People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
  • People who developed Guillain-BarrĂ© syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine.
  • Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and
  • People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)
[From the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm ]


Where can you get a flu shot?





Adult Immunization & Travel Clinic: AITC is a non-profit, fee-for-service clinic that is part of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. AITC is committed to providing convenient, knowledgeable, personalized, and cost-effective immunization services for travelers, students, new employees, immigrants, and other members of the community. Information is available at http://www.sfcdcp.org/aitc.html


Cold or Flu?
[From UCSF Medical Center Patient Education]

Treatment for the Flu
[From UCSF Medical Center Patient Education]

When to Call Your Doctor About the Flu
[From UCSF Medical Center Patient Education]