Since it is getting to that time of the year when we need to think about getting a flu vaccine, you may be asking yourself, how can I learn more about the vaccine. Here are some questions answered by the CDC in a recent vaccine information statement. Flu season is swiftly approaching and you may be asking yourself whether or not you should get a flu shot. Here is some information regarding the flu vaccine as printed by the CDC in a recent vaccine information statement.

Influenza is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. The highest rate of infection is among children. Influenza can cause fever and seizures in children and can be dangerous for those anyone with breathing and/or heart conditions.

There are two types of influenza vaccines-
1. Live, attenuated influenza vaccine is sprayed into the nostrils and contains live, but weakened influenza virus.
2. Inactivated influenza vaccine is given by injection and is what we commonly call the flu shot.

Annual vaccination is recommended because viruses are always changing and the vaccines are updated every year. It takes 2 weeks to develop protection after vaccination.

Live attenuated influenza vaccine is approved for healthy people from 5 through 49 years of age, who are not pregnant. If you come in close contact, through work or family, with someone who has a severely weakened immune system, the inactivated influenza vaccine is preferred.

The following people should check with their physician about getting the inactivated vaccine (flu shot) -
• Adults 50 years of age and older
• Children 6 months up to 5 years
• Anyone with a weakened immune system
• Pregnant women
• Anyone with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome
• Children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment
• Those with long term health problems such as heart, kidney, and lung disease, asthma, blood disorders, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes

Anyone who has ever had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or a previous influenza vaccine or who is moderately ill should talk with your doctor before getting either vaccine. 

The influenza season is from November through May. If you decide to get an influenza vaccine, plan on getting it in October or November. Even if you get your vaccination later, it is still beneficial.

Life-threatening allergic reactions from vaccines are very rare and they usually occur shortly after vaccination. Mild problems may include fever, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache and muscle aches, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea or sore throat.

The vaccines are monitored for unusual or severe problems. Severe problems may include weakness, dizziness, hives, hoarseness or wheezing, paleness or fast heart beat. If you have any of these symptoms following a vaccination, seek medical treatment right away.

Source: Vaccine Information Statement – Live, Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (7/16/07)
Published by the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control And Prevention

WINTER EMERGENCIES 

Winter is here again with freezing temperatures, ice, snow and the health threats of frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is defined as the freezing and crystallizing of fluids in the interstitial and cellular spaces due to exposure to freezing temperatures.  Frostbite is a result of the body’s survival mechanisms.  When exposed to freezing temperatures, the body decreases the circulation to peripheral body parts such as the feet and hands in an attempt to protect the vital inner organs.  This results in ice crystals developing in the fluid in and around skin cells.  Also red blood cells and platelets may clump and obstruct the capillaries resulting in decreased blood supply to the affected area. Risk factors include –·         Age                      Adolescents may not dress adequately for the cold                      The elderly lose heat from their skin more rapidly and impaired              peripheral circulation is often common in the elderly

• Environment

          People who work outside in the winter are at increased risk

• Dehydration

                Hydration helps prevent frostbite                Avoid caffeinated drinks because they constrict blood vessels and can                    impair peripheral circulation                Also avoid alcohol because alcohol reduces shivering which is the body’s                    attempt to keep warm

• Altered mental status

                Altered mental status may result in careless behavior or                       the inability to recognize the warning signs of frostbite

• Cigarette smoking

                Smoking causes vasoconstriction

• Insufficient or restrictive clothing

                Areas most prone to frostbite are fingers, toes, hands, feet,                   chin, tip of the nose, earlobes and cheeks – these areas                    should be protected.  Boots that are too tight may also                    impair circulation.  Mittens are more effective for keeping                    warm than gloves.  Wet clothing should be changed                    immediately. Degrees of frostbite –

• First degree frostbite involves the outer layer of skin, the epidermis –

      the area may be pale, prickly and may also be painful

• Second degree frostbite involves the epidermis and the next layer of skin, the dermis – the area may be yellowish, gray or white in color with large filled blisters and severe pain.  Swelling may also be present
• Third degree frostbite involves freezing of all layer of skin extending to the muscles, tendons, nerves and bone – the area is cold, numb, painless and bloodless

 The main priority in treating frostbite is to re-warm the area affected as soon as possible.  Do not use direct heat such as fire or a heating pad.  Do not rub the affected area.  Do not put snow on the affected area or immerse it in cold water and do not thaw the area if refreezing is at risk. What you should do is get the person into dry clothing and remove any jewelry from the affected area.  Warm the frostbitten area by immersing in a tub or basin of lukewarm water (105 F), immersing the affected body part for periods of 20-30 minutes.  If the nose, cheek or ear would be involved use a warm compress.  A burning sensation typically occurs as the area warms.  Rehydrate the victim with de-caffeinated beverages, keep the affected area dry and clean.  If an extremity is involved keep it elevated and as still as possible.  To prevent infection and for medical management you should follow up with your physician as soon as possible. Progressive signs of frostbite are – ·         Coldness·         Numbness·         Stinging, burning and throbbing·         Loss of fine muscle dexterity·         Loss of large muscle dexterity such as ambulating·         Complete loss of function and sensation Frostbite is preventable, if you have to be out in the extreme cold, check your skin every 10-20 minutes for signs of frostbite. Source:  Growing Up With Us…, Inc January 2003 Winter Emergencies- Frostbite