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Vaccination is Critical Step in Protecting Against Flu and Its Complications

This year, we need to take special steps to prepare for regular SEASONAL FLU and a new and different flu virus called 2009 H1N1 (swine flu). 

Flu (influenza) is a contagious disease that can easily spread from one person to another. Symptoms may include cough, muscle aches, sore throat and fever (above 100.4).

  • Every year, more than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized and 2,500 New Yorkers die of the flu and pneumonia.
  •  A flu shot is a critical step in protecting against flu and its serious complications.
  •  Seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu cause the same type of symptoms and illness.
  • This year you may need two shots:
    1.  The annual flu shot that protect against the regular seasonal flu. Last year's flu shot will NOT protect you now.
    2.  You will need a different shot for the 2009 H1N1 based on your medical problems and your age (High Risk).  Seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against 2009 H1N1 flu.

SEASONAL FLU

A regular annual flu shot is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

People at high risk for the seasonal flu include:

  • Children aged 6 months to 18 years of age
  •  All pregnant women
  • People with chronic long-term health problems, like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung diseases
  • People aged 50 and older
  • People in nursing homes
  • Seasonal flu vaccine is important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high risk people to prevent giving the flu to those at high risk


2009 H1N1

H1N1 flu is caused by a virus similar to the regular flu. A seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you against the H1N1 flu.  A new vaccine to protect against the H1N1 Flu will be offered in the coming months to help prevent the H1N1 flu. 

The federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that the following groups get the H1N1 flu vaccine:

  • All pregnant women
  • All people from 6 months through 24 years old
  • Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months
  • Healthcare and emergency medical service workers
  • People aged 25 through 64 years who have long term health problems like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease

Please note that people over the age of 65 appear to have some natural protection against the 2009 H1N1 flu. Children and pregnant women are at higher risk and will be the first to receive the vaccine when it becomes available.


How can I protect myself and others against the flu?

  • Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based cleaner.
  • Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.
  • Limit or avoid close contact with those that are ill.
  • Get your flu shot early.


Stay informed about H1N1 through the websites listed below

Links:

Montefiore Medical Center
http://www.montefiore.org/

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

The New York City Department Of Health and Mental Hygiene
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/flu/flu.shtml