From: Hinds, Jan [jhinds@archdpdx.org]
Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2011 3:39 PM
To: Undisclosed recipients
Subject: Flu News Update from the Multnomah County Health Department
Importance: High
It’s Not Too Late – Vaccinate!
So far this year, flu activity has remained low in Oregon, but we’re starting to see an increase in flu cases nationwide. This isn’t surprising because the flu usually peaks in February or later in the U.S. So, if you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, it’s not too late.
Who’s Most at Risk?
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu shots for everyone six months of age and older. However, certain groups of people are more likely to have serious complications from influenza such as pneumonia, and flu vaccine is especially recommended for them. These groups include:
o young children,
o pregnant women,
o those over age 65, and
o people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.
Chronic medical conditions include asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as obesity, a medical condition we might not think of as being especially risky. But recent studies show that obese people are up to three times more likely to get the flu than people of average weight. They are also more likely to be hospitalized and even die from the flu, even if they have no other health conditions.
Stopping the Flu Starts Here, With You
The flu isn’t just about feeling bad for a few days. For some, it’s life threatening, and every case of flu impacts both individuals and their communities. Even a mild case of the flu can be very uncomfortable and cause you to miss days of work or school. A community effort to get more people vaccinated makes for healthier schools, homes, and workplaces. And as more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu will spread in the community. That’s good for all of us, and especially for those at greatest risk of serious illness.
Because being obese puts people at risk for many different health problems, Multnomah County Health Department is kicking off an obesity prevention campaign called “It Starts Here.” We know that preventing illness and chronic conditions like obesity is about more than individual choices. Get involved in community-level work to help yourself, your family, friends, and neighbors to be more healthy; learn more at www.multco-itstartshere.org. And don't forget, it's not too late to vaccinate, for you and your loved ones – find out where at http://www.flu.gov/whereyoulive/index.html
Sincerely,
The Flu Fighters at Multnomah County Health Department