Flu Shots

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JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, BUT I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU!

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1-732-264-7500 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 7:30AM EST TO 5PM EST
1-609-577-3555 24/7/365 FOR EMERGENCIES
OR ANN@HOMELESSTOINDEPENDENCE.ORG

Thank you!

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Situation Update: Summary of Weekly FluView
U.S. Situation Update
Percentage of Visits for Influenza-like Illness (ILI) Pneumonia and Influenza
Mortality for 122 Cities Influenza-Associated Pediatric Mortality Geographic Spread of Influenza Influenza
Positive Tests Reported to CDC

Key Flu Indicators
According to the FluView report for the week ending December 25, influenza activity is increasing in the
United States. Influenza-like-illness (ILI) increased nationally and now is higher than expected for this time of
year. Also, the percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza continues to increase, along
with the number of states reporting regional or widespread influenza activity. Although influenza activity can
rise and fall during an influenza season, activity in the United States generally peaks in January or later.

Below is a summary of the most recent key indicators:

•Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) increased again over the previous week’s report. Of 10 U.S.
regions, two regions – Regions 2 and 4 (the Southeast) – reported ILI activity above baseline levels. New York
City and states of Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi had high ILI activity.

•The number of states reporting an increase in the geographic spread of influenza is increasing. Five states
(Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, New York and Virginia) reported widespread geographic influenza activity and
13 states (Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey,
Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas) reported regional geographic influenza activity. Nine
states reported local influenza activity and sporadic influenza activity was reported by the District of
Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 28 states. Puerto Rico and Guam did not report.

•The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) based on the 122 Cities Mortality
Reporting System is at a level expected for this time of year.

•One pediatric death was reported and was associated with influenza A (H3) virus infection.

•The percentage of specimens testing positive for influenza in the United States increased again for this
week’s report, reaching 21 percent nationally. Region 4 (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC and TN) had the highest
percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza.

•Influenza viruses identified so far include 2009 H1N1 viruses, influenza A (H3N2) viruses and influenza B
viruses. Approximately 69.5% of reported viruses were influenza A and 30.5% were influenza B. Among the
479 influenza A viruses that were subtyped, 39% were influenza A (H3N2) viruses. These viruses remain
similar to the viruses chosen for the 2010-2011 flu vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs
oseltamivir and zanamivir.

FluView is available – and past issues are archived – on the CDC website at

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivitysurv.htm.

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Information for caregivers about steps to take when caring for others who are sick. Also provides advice on how to avoid getting sick while caring for or being around others who have the flu. Includes information about people who may be at high risk for developing complications from the flu.

For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/health/caregiver_&_provider_resources/caregivers

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The web site listed below is for the NJ Department of Health. That website has a list of bullets or arrows dealing with various questions related to the flu. The second bullet will allow you to determine whether there are any public sites in your area that are offering flu shots any time soon.

http://www.state.nj.us/health/flu/h1n1

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FOR THE MOST UP TO THE DATE LISTING OR IF YOUR ZIP CODE IS NOT LISTED,
GO TO: http://www.findaflushot.com

YOU ARE MORE THAN WELCOME TO SEND ME THE FLU SHOT INFO YOU FIND TO:

ANN@HOMELESSTOINDEPENDENCE.ORG THANK YOU!

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Myths and Facts About the Flu and Colds

Myth: You can catch the flu from a flu shot

Fact: The flu vaccine is made from an inactivated virus, so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some people
may be sore at the spot where the vaccination was injected, and in a few cases, may develop a fever, muscle
aches, and feel unwell for a day or two. In very rare cases when a person is allergic to the vaccine, there may
be an immediate reaction.

Myth: One kind of flu is the “stomach flu.”

Fact: About one out of three people with the flu may have an upset stomach, but this is rarely the main
symptom of the flu. Other viruses and bacteria, and food poisoning are more common causes of nausea,
vomiting, and diarrhea.

Myth: There is nothing you can do once you get sick with the flu except stay home in bed.

Fact: Antivirals, when started within 2 days after flu symptoms appear, can reduce the duration of the illness
and the severity of symptoms. Symptom relief medications can also help to minimize the discomfort associated
with flu symptoms.

Myth: You can catch the flu or a cold from going outdoors in cold weather.

Fact: The flu and colds are more common in the winter months because that is when the viruses spread
across the country. It has nothing to do with being outside in cold weather.

Myth: Large doses of Vitamin C can keep you from catching the flu or a cold, or will quickly cure them.

Fact: These claims have not been proven. Still, it is important to one’s overall health to consume the minimum
daily requirement of Vitamin C.

Myth: “Feed a cold and starve a fever (flu).”

Fact: This is definitely not a good idea in either case. You need more fluids than usual when you have the flu
or a cold. Drink plenty of water and juice, eat enough food to satisfy your appetite, and drink hot fluids to ease
your cough and sore throat.

Myth: Herbal remedies are an effective treatment for colds.

Fact: Echinacea and other herbs are getting a lot of publicity as cold remedies. Zinc lozenges are also said to
cure colds quickly. To date, none of these claims are solidly supported by scientific studies.

Myth: Chicken soup and hot toddies are effective treatments for the flu or colds.

Fact: A bowl of chicken soup is a popular home remedy. While hot liquids can soothe a scratchy throat or
cough, chicken soup has no special power to cure the flu or a cold. As for hot toddies, another folk remedy,
any beverage containing alcohol should be avoided when you are sick.

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THERE IS ALSO: WWW.FINDAFLU.COM

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WE LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING OTHERS!!