SHOULD YOU GET THE "FLU SHOT?"
AND HOW ABOUT
THE PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE?

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THE "FLU SHOT"
Influenza, or "the flu," is a viral illness that causes fever, chills, sore throat, cough, generalized weakness and muscle aches, and fatigue. Severe cases sometimes result in a lung infection (pneumonia) by the flu virus itself or as a secondary infection from bacteria.

Every year, between 25 and 50 million people in the United States are infected with influenza. About 20,000 people in the U.S. die each year from influenza and its complications. Severe flu-related complications often affect senior citizens, people with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic heart, lung, or kidney problems.

Because of the epidemic potentials of the flu virus, and because of the decreased ability of people with other underlying illnesses to cope with the virus, it is recommended that the following groups of people get annual immunizations:

• Adults and children with chronic heart and lung disease, including asthma;
• People over age 65;
• Adults and children with other chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or HIV.

In general, one immunization per year is required for adults, while children under the age of 12 may require two immunizations about one month apart. The incidence of side effects from these immunizations is low, but can resemble a mild case of the flu.

THE PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE
The pneumococcal vaccine is a bacterial vaccine against several types of pneumococcal bacteria that cause pneumonia (lung infections). While the vaccine can be very helpful, it unfortunately does not protect against all types of pneumonia.

The indications for this vaccine are essentially the same as for the flu vaccine. In addition, it may be helpful for children with repeated ear infections to receive this vaccine.

It is necessary to receive the flu vaccine yearly, since the flu vaccine is changed from year to year.

Discuss these vaccines with your doctor, who can suggest whether they would be beneficial for you.

The pneumococcal vaccine is given only once in most cases.

Your allergist can provide you with more information on the flu shot and vaccines.

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