What is the "Flu?"

Flu is the short name for Influenza, which refers to certain viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. The disease may be mild in healthy young people, but it can be life threatening in older adults, and people of any age who have chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart, lung, or kidney disease.

Can it be treated?

Influenza virus, like other viruses, is difficult to treat. There are classes of drugs, that when taken early, can alter the course of an influenza outbreak. These are available only by prescription. Supportive care, with control of fever and hydration, is a key to treatment. Aspirin should be avoided in children with influenza, because it has been associated with onset of the dangerous Reye's Syndrome.

Does the Flu Shot work?

The flu shot is a killed virus, and it is about 60-70% effective in preventing the flu. It takes about a week to work.

Who should get the Flu Shot?

The flu shot is recommended for people over the age of 65, and for people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, and emphysema. There is scientific evidence that anyone can benefit from the flu shot, and that the more people get immunized, the better it is for the whole community.

What is "FluMist"?

FluMist is a relatively new product that allows immunization through a nasal spray. If offers the distinct advantage of not being an injection. At the time of this writing, FluMist is approved for only healthy patients, ages 5-50. The FluMist is a live, attenuated virus, and it works faster than the flu shot. While the flu shot confers immunity for several months, the FluMist is believed to last a year. We believe that FluMist will soon win a broader indication.

FluMist is perfect for health care workers, and healthy people who care for the elderly, or for people with chronic diseases.

Insurance plans do not cover FluMist. We offer it for $30.

For a further discussion of influenza and immunization, please refer to the following links:

For a general view of what's going on in the State, go to New Mexico Department of Health.
For further information Try WebMd and type in "influenza" in the search box
For more technical reviews, try emedicine.
For information about FluMist, go to:FluMist.com.

Who should not get the flu shot?

The immunization is grown in egg culture, and is not recommended for people who have allergy to eggs and egg products. There is also caution with allergy to chicken, and feathers. The shot is not recommended for people who have a current febrile illness. The shot is not recommended if there is a sensitivity to mercury (thimerosol). The shot should be avoided if there is a history of any previous reactions to a flu shot.