As the trees shed their deep greens exchanged for yellows and oranges we are reminded. Winter is approaching. Along with cool air, college football and bonfires we are also reminded of influenza. Just as the highly paid college football coaches form their game plan for the weeks ahead, each year some of the best minds in medicine attempt to predict which “strains” of the virus will be problematic for the 2014-15 season. Buses are loaded with highly trained, driven athletes. Likewise, this nasty virus repacks it's bags and begins its annual road trip from the Far East toward our hemisphere with variable results.
And again. The calls begin. “Do you have flu shots?” Should I get the flu vaccine for my child?“ "Is it going to work this year?”
In an effort to answer a few of these questions we thought it would be helpful to present a bit of information.
- Yes, we follow the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control recommendations regarding flu vaccine. Yes, we encourage vaccination. Everything in life is risk vs benefit. We continue to believe the risk and suffering produced by flu outweigh the risks of fever, aches and such.
- We have seen a few cases of flu (test confirmed) in our office over the past few weeks.
- This year's supply is limited for children 3 and up. We have plenty of FluMist available.. We would encourage vaccination now. The schools have done an amazing job of providing access to the nasal version (FluMist).
Each Fall Saturday college campuses are filled with fans, players and media. People line up to enter stadiums hoping the plans and preparations of their teams, will lead to success. Likewise, let's place the same optimism in our medical system and approach this flu season with vigor.
Vaccinate.
