I’m a bit ashamed to be admitting this to a group of nurses, but I figure that if I shame myself enough maybe I won’t let this happen again. Ok, here it is…I didn’t get a flu shot. There, I said it. No reason, really, I just got busy and it kept getting pushed to the bottom of my to-do list. My husband got his at work, I took the kids for theirs, but mine – I just never got around to it. I am embarrassed and yes, more than a little nervous about getting sick. 

I’ve been reading a ton about this year’s influenza viruses "taking the U.S. by storm." I get emails from the CDC with the latest numbers and maps showing flu activity around the country. Our Nursing News page has links to updates and articles about this year’s virus. Our twitter timeline and facebook newsfeed also contain quite a bit of flu-related news, opinions, and personal stories these days. 

Not only am I “virtually” surrounded by the virus, but my kids come home from school each day with a report of who was absent, or more concerning, who was sick at school. My husband returns from his work as a respiratory therapist with a flu update from the hospital floors. And of course, I’m aware of every sniffle and sneeze around me when I’m out. 

My plan, which has been working well so far, consists of the usual recommended practices: frequent handwashing, not touching my face, getting enough rest and eating well, and doing my best to avoid those who are sick. However, while I’ve dodged illness thus far this flu season, I will surely be calling my nurse practitioner this week to schedule my vaccination! 

Any other advice? 

Although the H1N1 influenza pandemic has been officially declared over (you can read the statement from the World Health Organization here), it is not too soon to start thinking about the upcoming 2010-2011 flu season. Actually, during a recent visit to our local pharmacy, I noticed the sign “Flu shots available here.” Hmmm… there is a difference between thinking and doing - is it really time to vaccinate now?

Here’s what I found:

• The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against 3 flu viruses: an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus.
• Routine influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older.
• As in the past, all children aged 6 months to 8 years who receive a seasonal influenza vaccine for the first time should receive 2 doses.
• For the 2010-2011 season, children 6 months to 8 years who did not receive at least 1 dose of an influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine should receive 2 doses of a 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine.
• And lastly, yes…the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging health care providers to begin vaccinating patients as soon as the vaccine arrives (shipments have already begun.)

You may remember from an earlier post that I never got my flu shot or H1N1 vaccine during the 2009-2010 season. The reason was simply one of convenience, or actually, inconvenience. The vaccines weren’t available when I had a visit with my physician and then there wasn't enought staff to administer the vaccines when they did become available.

I’m planning on getting vaccinated this year. How about you?

References:

Red Book Online Influenza Resource Page from the American Academy of Pediatrics

Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2010

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