What is seasonal influenza?
Seasonal (or common) influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted from person to person. Maine generally has an annual “flu season” that lasts during the winter months (December through March). Most people have some immunity to seasonal influenza, and a vaccine is available.
What should I do to protect myself from the flu?
The single best way for to prevent the flu is for individuals, especially those at high risk for serious complications from the flu, to get a vaccination each fall. To learn more, go to Key Facts About Flu Vaccine.
There are other good health habits that can help prevent the flu. These are:
* Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
* If possible, stay home from work, school, and avoid doing errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
* Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
* Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Do I need a flu shot?
CDC recommends that the following groups receive influenza vaccine for the 2007-2008 season:
* children 6 months through 4 years
* persons aged 50 years and older
* residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
* children and adults with certain chronic health conditions
* pregnant women
* healthcare personnel
* household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children aged <60 months and adults greater than 49 years, with particular emphasis on vaccinating contacts of children aged less than 6 months.
Where can I get a flu shot?
The Maine CDC distributes vaccine to Maine providers enrolled in the Maine Immunization Program. This vaccine is to be administered to high risk individuals. If you cannot obtain an influenza vaccination from your primary provider you can access information in your local newspapers for clinics being held in your area, or look for updated information on this website.
Flu shot clinics can be found at find a flu shot.com
If I'm a physician or other healthcare provider, how do I obtain flu shots for my patients?
There are many ways to purchase flu vaccine in the private market.
Maxim Health Services will assist private practices in holding flu shot clinics, at no cost to the provider. Contact Maxim Health Services at 617-558-0395 for more information.
Does influenza vaccine contain Thimerosal?
Thimerosal-free influenza vaccine is available from two manufacturers: sanofi pasteur (Fluzone) and Medimmune (Flumist).
