Flu Prevention

The Florida Department of Health Encourages Floridians to Practice Good Hygiene During Peak Flu Season

March 2, 2009 -- The Florida Department of Health (DOH) encourages Floridians to practice good hygiene as influenza (flu) activity in Florida increases, which is typical for this time of year. In Florida, the disease usually peaks in late January or February and continues through March.

In the United States, influenza results in approximately 200,000 hospitalizations each year. Annually, over 36,000 people in the U.S. die from the flu, and most of these are 65 years of age or older. More people die from flu than from any other vaccine-preventable disease.

“Floridians must remain vigilant in protecting themselves and their loved ones against the flu, especially populations who are more susceptible to the disease,” said State Surgeon General Ana M. Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H. “Good health practices, such as staying home when ill, washing hands and covering a cough, are so important in keeping family, friends and coworkers healthy.”

Individuals can reduce their chance of contracting or spreading respiratory infections by:

• Staying home when sick and keeping sick children home
• Cleaning hands often with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand cleanser
• Not touching eyes, nose, or mouth
• Avoiding close contact with people who are ill, if possible
• Not sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels, or other personal items
• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Getting plenty of rest, healthy foods, fluids, and exercise

It is not too late to get a flu shot this season. Parents and caregivers can contribute to the safety and well-being of children by having them immunized. It is also important that adults, parents, and grandparents who are in close contact with young children be immunized, as well.

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for the following groups:

• Persons at high risk for influenza-related complications and severe disease, including:
  • Children 6-59 months of age
  • Pregnant women
  • Persons 50 years or older
  • Persons of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• Persons who live with, or care for, persons at high risk
• Healthcare workers

In addition, immunization with the vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae – the pneumonia vaccine – can help prevent complications of influenza in those who are candidates for this vaccine.

Consult your doctor to determine if either or both of these vaccinations is an option for you. Individuals with influenza-like symptoms should contact a primary care physician for advice about management of their illness.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Issues Interim Recommendations for the Use of Influenza Antiviral Medications

December 22, 2008 -- The Bureau of Immunization is providing this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Advisory as an update regarding antiviral resistance among circulating flu viruses in the United States during the 2008-2009 flu season. (Antiviral Resistance)

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National Influenza Vaccination Week

December 8 - December 14, 2008

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the week of December 8-14, 2008, as National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). This event is designed to highlight the importance of continuing influenza (flu) vaccination, as well as to foster greater use of flu vaccine through the months of November, December, and beyond. (NIVW)

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Top 3 Reasons to Get Your Flu Vaccine

1. Prevents influenza-related death.
   Each year, over 36,000 people in the U.S. die because of the flu—most are 65 or older. More people die from flu than from any other vaccine-preventable disease.
2. Prevents severe illness.
   In the U.S., influenza puts about 200,000 people in the hospital each year. Children younger than two years old are as likely to be hospitalized as adults who are 65 or older.
3. Protects other people.
   You should get vaccinated if you live with or care for others who are at high risk of complications from the flu. Getting a flu vaccination yourself can help protect your family members, including seniors and young children.

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Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2008

August 29, 2008 -- The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization announces publication by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2008 in the August 8 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Recommendations and Reports. (Influenza Recomendations)

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Influenza Vaccine Information Statements for the 2008-2009 Season

The CDC released a new Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) and a new VIS for the live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV). (Flu VIS)

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2008 Florida Vote & Vax Campaign

July 30, 2008 -- The Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the 2008 Vote & Vax adult flu and pneumococcal immunization campaign. Vote & Vax efforts are held in conjunction with general elections. (Vote & Vax)