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On November 14, the Ministry of Health, Labor
and Welfare unveiled a plan to increase the
stockpiles of the drug Tamiflu, which has been
designed to protect you from flu viruses including
the dreaded avian flu. The ministry estimates
that if 25% of the population were to contract
avian flu, the number of deaths could reach
640,000.
There is no perfect way to prevent the avian
flu pandemic that most experts warn is looming.
Even with a flu shot, you might still contract
avian flu. However, there are some advantages
to getting vaccinated, especially this season.
In this month's issue, I'll tell you about some
of the benefits the flu shot can offer, and
how to get vaccinated in your town.
Why should I get a flu shot each year?
A vaccine against one group of flu viruses may
not protect against the newer viruses that are
always cropping up. Much like a computer antivirus
programs, the influenza vaccine is updated yearly
to include current viruses.
Even when the shot doesn't prevent infection,
the vaccine can reduce the severity of flu symptoms
and the risk of dangerous complications, such
as pneumonia.
In addition, a flu vaccination makes it easier
to distinguish between avian flu infection and
everyday flu infections.
When should I get a flu shot?
I deally, you should be vaccinated sometime
between October and mid December. After getting
the shot, it takes about two weeks for antibodies
to develop and provide you with protection.
In the meantime, you are still at risk. That
is why it is much better to get vaccinated before
the flu season, which generally runs from January
through March. Now (early winter) is the best
time for you to get a flu shot.
Who should be vaccinated?
In general, anyone who wants to reduce his or
her chances of getting the flu could be vaccinated.
The Centers for Disease Control (C.D.C.) in
the U.S.A. recommends that the following people
be among the first to get vaccinated each year,
because they are at high risk of serious flu
complications:
- Those age 65 or older
- Those of any age who have had a heart attack.
Those who have heart disease, or a lung disease
such as asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
Those who have diabetes, H.I.V., a blood disorder,
kidney disease, or who a weakened immune system
- Children between the ages of 6- and 23
months
- Pregnant women
- People who live in nursing homes or assisted
living facilities
- People who have health problems that make
it difficult to breathe or swallow
The C.D.C. also recommends that people who
care for or live with anyone listed above
get a flu vaccine.
It is recommended that pregnant women carefully
consult with a physician about the risks of vaccination.
It is safe to get a flu shot if you are breast-feeding,
because the shot will not cause the flu in you
or your baby.
In every town, people in categories 1 and 2 (especially
those age 60- to 64) and who have completed foreign
resident registration can get a flu shot for \1,050.
For others, the cost varies by health care facility.
You can expect to pay between \2,000 and \3,000.
How effective is it?
In scientific studies, the effectiveness of the
flu stock to prevent illness has ranged from 70%
to 90% in healthy people under age 65 when there
is a good match between circulating viruses and
those in the vaccine. The vaccine may be less
effective in the elderly or in people with weakened
immune systems. However, these people still benefit
from the vaccine, because it helps to shorten
the duration of symptoms, it helps to prevent
complications, and it can prevent hospitalization
and death from the flu.
How exactly do I get it?
You can get a flu shot at almost any health care
facilities in your town. It would be better call
beforehand to check stocks and to make an appointment.
You don't need any health insurance to get vaccinated.
When you arrive at a clinic, your body temperature
is checked. You'll be denied a shot if your temperature
exceeds 37.5 degrees Celsius (99.5 degrees Fahrenheit)
or if you have an acute infection.
Next, you'll be given a questionnaire that has
questions similar to these.
- Are you allergic to eggs? (The viruses
used in the influenza vaccine are grown in
chicken egg.
- Have you ever had a severe reaction to
an influenza vaccination?
- Have you ever developed Guillain-Barre
syndrome, which is characterized by fever,
nerve damage and muscle weakness, within 6
weeks of having a flu shot?
- For children, is the child, older than
6 moths of age? (Influenza vaccines are not
approved for use in children younger than
6 months.)
- Do you have a moderate or severe illness
with or without a fever? (If so, you should
postpone your vaccination until the symptoms
subside.)
If a physician deems you fit, you can get a flu
shot in your arm. One shot is enough to boost
your immune system if you're a healthy adult,
but children need a booster shot 1- to 4 weeks
after the first shot.
What are the side effects?
Very few people who receive the influenza vaccine
show serious side effects. The most common side
effects are soreness and redness where the shot
was given. These symptoms go away in a few days.
Other side effects such as fever or aches are
extremely rare. The risk of serious side effects,
such as severe allergic reaction or Guillain-Barre
syndrome is less than 1 in several million.
If the new avian flu starts to spread across
in Japan, the government will likely call for
a ban on large gatherings, and will recommend
that people skip work and schools cancel classes.
That' is sure to cause widespread panic around
the country. If the pandemic hits and you have
not been vaccinated, you may be forcibly hospitalized,
quarantined and treated as an infected person.
Is that reason enough for you? Let's all get
moving to our local health care facility for
shots today!
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