Flu Season is near, Doctors Warn to Take Precaution
By: Deedra Wilson, KARK 4 News
Updated: September 26, 2012
The miserable flu season is near.
"We're seeing a very low lying level of activity almost undetectable that we see every year," said Dr. Gary Wheeler, Branch Chief of Infectious Disease for the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).
So it's time to take action.
"I do every year. I'm a nurse at the V-A, so we have to have our flu shot," said Sarah St. Amour.
"Are you planning on getting a flu shot? Yes, I am."
"Gonna get a flu shot this year? Quite possibly, I'm thinking about it."
The Centers for Disease Control highly recommends you do so, especially women who are pregnant, one reason, children under six months can not get vaccinated.
"They have no protection, unless they get it from mom. "Children under a year of age have the highest death rate and complication rate," said Wheeler.
Wheeler says of the three different components there are two new strains this year, but don't worry.
"There are expectations that our vaccines should be very active against the strains that will be in the community this year."
While it remains to be seen whether this will be a harsh season for the flu, one thing is for sure says Wheeler, "Everybody can catch the flu and everybody can have serious consequences from influenza, including death."
The ADH will vaccinate children at school in all counties on October 8th.
Parents can get vaccinated as well.
The ADH said consent forms should be going home within the next two weeks, and parents must sign them.
All mass clinics are expected to open on October 24th.
Vaccines for pregnant women should arrive at the ADH in about a week.
Doctors said it is safe for pregnant women to get vaccinated, they just have to get the shot instead of the nasal spray.
"We're seeing a very low lying level of activity almost undetectable that we see every year," said Dr. Gary Wheeler, Branch Chief of Infectious Disease for the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).
So it's time to take action.
"I do every year. I'm a nurse at the V-A, so we have to have our flu shot," said Sarah St. Amour.
"Are you planning on getting a flu shot? Yes, I am."
"Gonna get a flu shot this year? Quite possibly, I'm thinking about it."
The Centers for Disease Control highly recommends you do so, especially women who are pregnant, one reason, children under six months can not get vaccinated.
"They have no protection, unless they get it from mom. "Children under a year of age have the highest death rate and complication rate," said Wheeler.
Wheeler says of the three different components there are two new strains this year, but don't worry.
"There are expectations that our vaccines should be very active against the strains that will be in the community this year."
While it remains to be seen whether this will be a harsh season for the flu, one thing is for sure says Wheeler, "Everybody can catch the flu and everybody can have serious consequences from influenza, including death."
The ADH will vaccinate children at school in all counties on October 8th.
Parents can get vaccinated as well.
The ADH said consent forms should be going home within the next two weeks, and parents must sign them.
All mass clinics are expected to open on October 24th.
Vaccines for pregnant women should arrive at the ADH in about a week.
Doctors said it is safe for pregnant women to get vaccinated, they just have to get the shot instead of the nasal spray.
