September 14, 2010

by: rferraro @ 11:14 am

Straight Facts about H1N1 and the 2010-11 Flu Season

Last year’s outbreak of the pandemic H1N1influenza — often called “swine flu” — made the last flu season more complicated, and more worrisome than usual. As this year’s flu season rolls around, many questions linger.

Is H1N1 still a threat? -The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus is no longer at pandemic status and has become one of several flu strains that will be circulating this flu season. This year’s flu vaccine will include protection against H1N1.

Do I still need two flu vaccinations? -No. Because the H1N1 virus is included in this year’s flu vaccine, you will only need one vaccination this year to be protected.

Who exactly should get the flu shot this season? -The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently recommended that everyone six-months of age and older get vaccinated. The fact that healthy adults were hardest hit by 2009 H1N1 virus prompted the CDC to broaden the “at risk” group to everyone over six-months old.

September 7, 2010

by: rferraro @ 12:17 pm

First and foremost ~ GET VACCINATED !

You can reduce your risk of being infected with influenza by getting an annual influenza vaccination. By getting an annual influenza vaccination you’ll be helping to protect yourself — and the many people you come into contact with every day.

Then follow these simple guidelines to protect yourself and others;

-Avoid close contact with people who are sick

-If you are sick, avoid contact with others. Stay home from work or school, and avoid running errands if possible

-Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (and teach children to do the same)

-Wash your hands often to remove viruses and germs. You can pick up the influenza virus by touching something that someone with the flu has already touched. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands

September 3, 2010

by: rferraro @ 3:26 pm

How serious is influenza? Although many people think of influenza as a type of cold, it is really a specific and serious disease. Disease complications and death are more common among young children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. An average of 36,000 influenza associated deaths per year occurred during 1990-1999. Influenza viruses cause disease among persons of all ages. Risk for influenza-associated death is highest among the oldest elderly: persons age 85 years and older are 16 times more likely to die from an influenza-associated illness than persons aged 65-69 years. Occasionally, major epidemics occur on an international scale. This is known as a pandemic.

The best way to prevent influenza is with annual vaccination!

September 1, 2010

by: rferraro @ 11:46 am

Welcome To The HDI (Hopkinton Drug Inc.) Flu Blog !

Influenza (the “flu”) can be a very serious disease. Even healthy adults can get sick. If you get the flu, you can spread it to family, friends, or co-workers.

This intent of this blog is to provide up to date information about the Seasonal Flu from various sources, in easy to understand language.

We will also include links for Flu information at Government agencies and Medical organizations.

We hope the information provided here will help you to “Not Get the Flu..Not Spread the Flu, and to Get Vaccinated”