Preparing for Seasonal Flu

Lakeshore Clinic is actively monitoring the current flu season, working closely with local and state public health organizations to align with their recommendations where appropriate, and preparing necessary responses. We are already working with our own employees to ensure they are taking appropriate preventive steps to protect themselves and maintain a healthy environment, so we can continue to provide quality service to our patients. We are also prepared to work with our managers and employees to address the situation as events warrant.

Annual outbreaks of the seasonal flu usually occur during the late fall through early spring. Most people have natural immunity, and a seasonal flu vaccine is available. In a typical year, approximately 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the seasonal flu.

What can you do?

Stop the Spread of Germs

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and use a tissue.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer frequently.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Stay at home when you are sick or have flu symptoms.

Practice Good Health Habits

• Get plenty of sleep.
• Be physically active.
• Mange your stress.
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods.
• Avoid smoking.
• Use antibiotics appropriately.
• Get immunized.
• Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces.

Resources to help make sure you are prepared

Resource Links:

• CDC:   www.cdc.gov/flu
• US Dept of Health:   www.flu.gov
• WA Dept of Health:   www.doh.wa.gov/FluNews/influenza.htm

At Home:

• Buy or make a Family Emergency Kit
• www.americanfamilysafety.com
• www.cpr-savers.com/principal/emergency.html
• www.lifesecure.com/zuca.asp
• Be informed of the current situation.
• Get involved with a community response organization.

At Work:

• Have a copy and know the Emergency Action Plan for your building.
• Be familiar with our company's Business Contingency Plan.
• Know the proper procedures to report an emergency.
• Talk with you manager if you have any questions.

Seasonal Flu

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It spreads from person-to-person and can cause mild to severe illness; and in some cases, can lead to death. Getting seasonal flu shot each year is a very effective way to reduce your chances of dealing with complications due to flu symptoms. (Note: For the 2011-2012 flu season, the flu vaccine does include protection against the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus and two other flu viruses.) For more H1N1 flu information visit www.cdc.gov/flu

Special Info for ASTHMA Patients

1. If you have asthma, you should get the flu shot when it is available. Do NOT get the nasal spray vaccine, which could trigger asthma symptoms or an attack.

2. If you have asthma and get the flu, see a healthcare professional promptly, because you are at greater risk of becoming severely ill with flu complications very quickly.

3. If you care for children with asthma, get the flu vaccines to protect them.

4. Priority groups for the flu vaccine are:

   a. Pregnant women

   b. Health care workers and first responder/emergency personnel

   c. People who live with or care for children under the age of 6 months

   d. Children between the ages of 6 months - 24 years old (children under the age of 10 need 2 vaccine doses given 28 days apart)

   e. Adults between the ages of 25 - 64 years with chronic health disorder/compromised immune system

5. The vaccine is safe. If you have asthma, the risks are far greater not getting the vaccine.

Special Info for ALLERGY Patients

If you have a severe (life-threatening) allergy to eggs, or to any other substance that could be in the flu vaccine (i.e. latex, gelatin, etc.) you should check with your physician before receiving any flu vaccine. If a person reports a severe (anaphylactic) allergy to latex, vaccines supplied in vials or syringes that contain natural rubber should not be administered, unless the benefit of vaccination outweighs the risk of an allergic reaction to the vaccine. For latex allergies other than anaphylactic allergies (e.g., a history of contact allergy to latex gloves), vaccines supplied in vials or syringes that contain dry natural rubber or natural rubber latex can be administered.

Allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) after vaccination procedures are rare. Only one report of an allergic reaction after administering hepatitis B vaccine in a patient with known severe allergy (anaphylaxis) to latex has been published. ACIP General Recommendations

For more information on egg allergies and flu vaccines visit these links:
http://www.aaaai.org
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/should-not-vacc.htm#h1n1

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