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LEGAL NURSE NEWS
September, 2009

2009—2010 INFLUENZA INFORMATION:

The newly approved influenza vaccine is directed against strains of influenza that were expected to be circulating during the 2009-2010 influenza season, based on information available in February, when a decision regarding the composition of the vaccine was made. The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect people against the 2009 (pandemic) H1N1 influenza virus, which emerged later in the year and resulted in the declaration of a pandemic by the WHO in June 2009. FDA is working with manufacturers, international partners, and other government agencies to facilitate the availability of a safe and effective vaccine against the 2009 (pandemic) H1N1 influenza virus
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According to CDC, between 5 and 20 percent of the U.S. population develops seasonal influenza each year. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from its complications and about 36,000 people die. Those people most severely affected are the really young children and the elderly because their immune systems are weaker.
Although no vaccine is 100 percent effective in preventing disease, vaccination is the key to flu prevention.  There are two kinds of influenza vaccines: one type is an injection or shot in the arm and the other type is administered into the nose with a nasal sprayer. The shot contains inactivated (killed) influenza viruses, and the nasal vaccine contains live viruses that are weakened.
You can't get the flu from the influenza vaccine. Some people do get a mild fever, body aches, and fatigue for a few days after the vaccine, and soreness at the injection site is a common side effect of the shot. The most common side effects seen with administration of the nasal vaccine include runny nose or nasal congestion in recipients of all ages, fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit in children two to six years of age, and sore throat in adults.
PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF INFLUENZA:
•	Influenza is spread through coughing or sneezing. You can also get it by touching objects carrying the virus, especially when you then touch your mouth or nose. Such objects include telephones and door knobs.
•	Washing your hands often is a key strategy for preventing influenza. Teach your kids about the importance of hand washing. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it THEN WASH YOUR HANDS!
•	Most healthy adults may be able to infect others one day before their own symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick
•	Autumn is the best time to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza, although getting the vaccine in the winter months when influenza season often peaks is also beneficial as outbreaks of influenza often continue through the early spring months.
•	Young children, people with chronic medical conditions, and elderly people are at higher risk for seasonal flu-related complications. Vaccination of these groups is critical.

This article contains excerpts from the FDA's Consumer Update page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.


HUMOR:  There has been much research over the last 30 years about the health benefits of laughter.  The bottom line:  We need to laugh more.  This section exists to help you reach this goal.  This quote is from a book entitled, “Disorder in the American Courts”, and is an actual statement made in court.
ATTORNEY:  “What gear were you in at the moment of impact?”
WITNESS:  “Gucci sweats and Reeboks.”