Spread the Word, Not the Flu!
It's Time to Get the Shot.
DHH encourages residents to get vaccinated

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011  |  Contact: Lisa R. Faust; (225) 342-7913 or (225) 252-3579 (cell)

BATON ROUGE- The Department of Health and Hospitals today officially kicked off its annual "Fight the Flu" campaign urging Louisianians across the state to "Spread the Word, Not the Flu!" and get their annual flu shot.

Every year, millions of individuals contract the flu, with more than 36,000 people in the U.S. dying from this virus and more than 200,000 going to the hospital. Influenza also has a tremendous impact on school attendance and on the families of school children. Twenty-eight percent of school-aged-children get influenza each year. For every 100 school children, influenza accounts for 63 missed school days a year. Of every 100 children who get the flu, 25 family members will come down with the flu within three days. Last flu season 48 percent of Louisiana children 6 months -17 years of age received the flu vaccine, below the national average of 51 percent.

"I want to speak specifically to parents today in urging people to take responsibility in protecting themselves and their families against the flu," DHH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein said. "Children who miss school because of this illness can't learn, and parents fully understand the struggles of caring for a sick child. This is such a simple step every parent can take. I challenge Louisiana moms and dads to beat the national trends and raise our rates of children's flu vaccinations starting today."

So far this year, flu activity is sporadic across most of Louisiana, with northwest and central Louisiana reporting high numbers of cases. In an effort to stop the spread of the disease, medical professionals and officials from DHH gathered in every region with local leaders to stress the importance of vaccinations.

The vaccine, which this year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending for everyone 6 months of age and older, is the best protection against getting the flu. Flu vaccines have been given for more than 50 years and they have a very good safety track record. Flu vaccines are made the same way each year and their safety is closely monitored by the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration. Hundreds of millions of flu vaccines have been given safely.

"Vaccines are the best preventive measure we have to help fight the spread of this illness, and we encourage everyone to get their seasonal flu shot to help protect not only themselves, but their families and friends as well," Secretary Greenstein said. "Every one of us is responsible for our own health. Simple decisions we make every day go a long way to building healthier outcomes. There is no simpler, safe and effective decision we can make to stay healthy this flu season than getting the flu vaccine."

Flu season began last month, but it's never too late to get vaccinated and be protected against the virus. While everyone should get a flu vaccine, vaccination is especially critical for certain groups who are at higher risk of developing flu-related complications. Those groups include:

• All children 6 months - 18 years of age
• Everyone 50 years and older
• Women who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant during flu season
• American Indians and Alaskan Natives, who appeared to be at higher risk of flu complications last flu season
• People who have a weakened immune system or chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease
• People who are morbidly obese
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

"Vaccination is also important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high risk individuals to keep from spreading flu to people who may be especially susceptible to the virus' effects. This includes anyone who works with babies younger than 6 months of age, who are not eligible for the vaccine themselves," said State Health Officer Jimmy Guidry. "This year's vaccine is plentiful and available at many places like health care providers, pharmacies, some employers and Louisiana's parish health units."

The flu usually spreads from person to person in respiratory droplets when people who are infected cough or sneeze. People occasionally may become infected by touching something with influenza virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:

• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Tiredness (can be extreme)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)

Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms. If you are ill, see your doctor.

DHH also encourages the public to take preventive actions to stop the spread of the flu.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about DHH, visit http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow DHH's blog, Twitter account and Facebook.

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