As flu season begins, the Texas Department of State
Health Services encourages everyone 6 months old
and older to get vaccinated now to protect themselves
from getting the flu. Early vaccination is important
because it takes
about two weeks for the
body to make flu antibodies
after the vaccine is
administered.
“This year, there are
many different flu vaccines
available, and they
have all been updated
for this flu season. The
nasal spray flu vaccine,
also known as FluMist,
is once again on the list
of recommended flu vaccines
for the upcoming flu
season,” said Dr. Jennifer
Shuford, DSHS Infectious
Disease Medical Officer.
“There are also special
flu vaccines designed for
people 65 years and older.
Your doctor can help
you figure out which vaccine
is right for you.”
People with chronic
health conditions, pregnant
women, young children,
older adults, and
the people who live with
them should get vaccinated
in order to minimize the risk of developing serious
complications from the flu. Caregivers should
get the flu shot to protect themselves and to prevent
spreading the flu to the vulnerable people they care
for in their families and communities.
Influenza is an illness caused by one of a number
of related viruses. Symptoms usually start suddenly
and include fever, body aches, chills, a dry cough,
sore throat, runny nose, headaches and extreme fatigue
and can last a week or longer. It is important to
note that not all flu sufferers will have a fever.
People can help stop the spread of illness and re duce
their chance of catching the flu by getting vaccinated,
washing hands frequently, covering coughs
and sneezes and staying home if they’re sick. Addi tional
flu information and tips are at TexasFlu.org.
All flu vaccines this season are made to protect
against viruses similar to the strains A/
Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1), A/Singapore/INFIMH-
16-0019/2016 (H3N2) and B/Colorado/06/2017
(B/Victoria lineage). Some vaccines include an additional
vaccine virus strain, B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/
Yamagata lineage).
People can contact their health care provider, local
health department, local pharmacy or use the Vac cine
Finder at TexasFlu.org to find out where flu shots
are available.
Health officials encourage people to seek treatment
promptly if they are experiencing flu symptoms.
Antiviral drugs may help shorten the duration or lessen
the severity of the flu if started within 48 hours of
the onset of symptoms.
