|
Influenza 2007 - prevention is the key |
Prevention is the key!As the flu season is approaching, Family Medical Practice recommends everyone to be assessed as to whether they should get the flu vaccine.
Influenza is a disease that occurs in the winter months (and in the tropics all year around) and can cause disease ranging from mild flu symptoms to severe debilitating illness including death. The flu vaccine can prevent up to 90% infections caused by the influenza virus, WHO also recommends the flu vaccine for anyone living in areas threatened by the Avian Flu. Administration of the flu vaccine can prevent co-infection of the human flu virus and the Avian flu in the same person.
The vaccine is especially indicated for certain populations:
- Children between 6 months to 23 months
- Anyone taking care of children between 6 months & 23 months (ie: parents or nannies)
- Anyone over the age of 50 years old
- Anyone over 2 years old with chronic conditions (asthma, renal dysfunction, diabetes, chronic lung and heart diseases, immune compromised state etc.)
- All women who will be pregnant during the flu season (after 14 weeks of pregnancy)
- Children between 2 to 18 years old on chronic aspirin therapy
- Health care workers who are involved in direct patient care
- Out of home caregivers and household contacts of children <6 months
- Travelers to the tropics
The vaccine complies with the WHO recommendation (Northern hemisphere) and EU decision for the 2006/2007 season.
For children between the age of 6 months & 8 years old who have not been vaccinated, a second dose should be given after an interval of at least 4 weeks.
People with severe egg allergy, and those who developed the Guillain Barre Syndrome 12 weeks after receiving the flu vaccine in the past should not receive the flu vaccine.
The flu shot only prevents infection caused by the influenza virus, not upper respiratory tract infections by other bacteria or virus.
 
Don't wait!
Call today to reserve your influenza vaccine
(coporate rate available)
Hanoi: (04) 843 0748 - Ho Chi Minh City: (08) 822 7848 - Danang: (0511) 582 699
|
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 01 November 2007 )
|
