Influenza Season Well Under Way

With the 2011-2012 flu season well under way, physicians agree that the flu virus is nothing to sneeze at. Getting a flu vaccine is the number one way to stop the spread of the flu. For FFF Enterprises, the nation's largest and most trusted distributor of flu vaccine, spreading the message about the safety and effectiveness of flu vaccine is a chief concern. FFF has made a mission out of "helping healthcare care," which includes protecting people from the fatal complications associated with the flu virus.

FFF Enterprises has made it their aim to transform the way people think about the flu and flu vaccine. For example, some believe that if they are not an infant or elderly, they don't need a flu vaccine. According to the CDC, this isn't true since "everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year." This has been the recommendation since February 2010, when the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) "voted for the universal flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people." Others are under the misconception that their flu vaccine will give them the flu. The CDC comments that "no, a flu shot cannot cause flu illness. The influenza viruses contained in a flu shot are inactivated (killed), which means they cannot cause infection."

Signs and symptoms of the flu can range anywhere from a cough and runny nose to a high fever and fatigue. Some people may experience diarrhea and vomiting. Those who are at high risk for developing flu-related complications, such as children, adults 65 years of age and older and pregnant women are strongly encouraged to schedule their flu vaccine. A new high-dose flu vaccine formulated for those aged 65 and older is also available for the current flu season. Individuals who suffer from serious medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, neurological problems, chronic lung disease, and compromised immune systems are also advised to get their annual flu vaccine as soon as possible.

Influenza is a deadly virus that kills more people each year than all vaccine-preventable diseases combined. According to the CDC, "most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick." This means that "you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick." Therefore, getting your annual flu vaccine will protect you, your loved ones and your work mates. For more information on seasonal flu and flu vaccine contact your healthcare provider today.