Who should get the flu shot?

Today's question comes from Noel in Washington, D.C.:

Dear Dr. Deena,

So many of my friends and family have suffered from the flu this year, and I was wondering whether or not I should get the flu shot? Thanks!

Noel

Thank you so much for your question, Noel. With the widespread prevalence of seasonal influenza (the flu) this year in the USA, this is quite a relevant question. According to the WHO, the number of office visits for evaluation of "flu-like symptoms" this month has more than tripled in comparison to those in January 2012. Luckily for those of us who are healthy, our robust immune system can battle this disease over time with the help of bed rest, plenty of fluids, and medications for symptomatic management of cough, runny nose, muscle pains, etc.

It is for this reason that the Center of Disease Control has specific recommendations as to who should receive the flu vaccination annually. These recommendations are targeted towards populations who are at highest risk for developing the flu and who are more susceptible to complications which can lead to hospitalizations and sometimes even death. 

The CDC recommends that the following individuals be vaccinated:

- Those who are 6 months through 4 years of age

- Those who are 50 years and older

- Those who have chronic medical problems which include diseases of the lung (including asthma), heart (except high blood pressure), kidney, liver, nervous system, blood, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes)

- Those who are immunosuppressed (including immunosuppression caused by medications (such as steroids, chemotherapeutic drugs, etc.) or by HIV)

- Those who are or will be pregnant during the influenza season

- Those who are aged 6 months through 18 years and receiving long-term aspirin therapy 

- Those who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities

- Those who are morbidly obese (body-mass index is 40 or greater)

- Those who are health-care personnel

- Those who live with or care for children aged younger than 5 years and adults aged 50 years and older

-Those who live with or care for persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza

If you fit any of the above descriptions, I would recommend speaking to your physician about receiving the flu vaccination. 
I have included a map which shows the geographic prevalence of the flu in the USA (published by the CDC). If you are in an area of high activity, you may also want to consider protecting yourself if the vaccine is available. It is important to speak to your physician before receiving the flu vaccine if you have a severe egg allergy, if you who have had a severe reaction to the flu shot in the past or if you have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (as these may be reasons why you should not receive the vaccine). The vaccination can be administered at your doctor's office or local pharmacy (some local pharmacies may require a prescription so please contact them prior to your visit). I hope this helps and it was my pleasure to assist you, Noel. 

Please continue to email me your questions at DoctorDeenaMD@gmail.com and please forward this website to others who are looking for medical advice & tips!

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