Are you ready for the 2012-2013 flu season? Do you know what to expect? Have you begun preparing for your vaccination? Are there any differences between 2011-2012 and 2012-2013? Flu season is right around the corner. Vaccinations are generally available sometime in October. Check your local area for availability.

According to the CDC, there are 3 vaccine viruses for the 2012-2013 flu season:

1. H1N1 pdm09 like virus
2. H3N2 like virus
3. B like virus

While these were the same focus as 2011-2012, the recommended H3N2 and B vaccine viruses are different.

There are always 3 viruses that are used for the seasonal flu vaccine.  There is current research being conducted to use 4 viruses instead of 3, but this will not be available for the 2012-2103 season. The decision on the 3 viruses is made by the WHO, the World Health Organization (not the music group) based on the input of more than 100 national influenza centers. The viruses chosen as part of the seasonal flu vaccine are updated each year based upon:

1. Which viruses are found?
2. How are the viruses spread?
3. How well can the previous year’s vaccine protect against the current year’s viruses?

Get ready for the upcoming 2012-2013 flu season!

Why should people receive the flu vaccination? The flu is a very serious disease that has resulted in hospitalization as well as in some cases death. The vaccine can reduce the chances of getting the flu and therefore spreading it to others. The flu vaccine is available in the following vaccine types:

• Flu shot

1. Regular shot approved for people over 6 months of age
2. High dose for people over 65 years of age
3. Intradermal for people 18-64 years of age

• Nasal spray – for people 2-49 years of age who are healthy

Who should be vaccinated?

1. People who have certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease
2. Pregnant women
3. People 65 years of age or older
4. People who care for others who are high risk for developing serious complications

Who should not be vaccinated (at least not without consulting a physician)

1. People who have severe allergies to chicken eggs
2. People who have had severe reactions to previous flu shots
3. Children under 6 months of age
4. People who have moderate to severe illness with a fever
5. People with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome
6. The CDC is recommending that people receive the flu vaccination as soon as it is available in their area. As mentioned above, it does take about 2 weeks to become effective.

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