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In January 2006, Dr. Malkemus began writing dental health articles for The Community
Voice newspaper. He wanted to give back to the community and share his passion for
health, as well as his observations of the remarkable planet around us. Current
and past articles are provided here. To view his articles as they appear, see the
Health, Beauty, and Fitness Section at www.thecommunityvoice.com.
Other Resources
2008 Flu Vaccine
The Fall Flu Vaccine is Here and Recommended for All Ages!
Fall is upon us. The daylight hours are becoming shorter. Even with beautiful warm days, there is a definite chill in the morning. It is time to get a flu shot. The flu season is from November to April, with most cases occurring between late December and early March. Getting the shot before the flu season is in full force gives the body a chance to build up immunity to the flu virus. It takes about six weeks after getting the flu shot to be fully protected.
About 20% of the US population gets the flu every year, with 200,000 hospitalized and 36,000 deaths. This fall, health officials recommend that all adults and children over age 6 months of age, with few exceptions, get a flu vaccine.
This is a major change! Previous recommendations were only for adults and children with chronic health problems. The new emphasis is on stopping the spread of flu among kids, which will then keep them from spreading the disease to the wider population. The idea is that vaccinating most kids will not only spare them from the aches and pains of the flu, and missed days of school, but will hinder the spread of illness throughout the rest of society.
The highest rate of flu is found with school age children, who then spread the disease to the more vulnerable age groups, the elderly and the young. Death rates from flu complications are highest among those 65 and older. Hospitalization is equally high among elderly and children under the age of 2. Children age 2 to 5 have the highest rates of visiting an emergency room or their doctor because of the flu.
It is advisable for most everyone to get a flu shot; you should check with your physician if you have any questions or concerns. Vaccinations are especially recommended for:
* Young children
* Everyone 50 years of age or older
* Pregnant women [Pregnant women are recommended to get the vaccine without preservatives.]
* Those who have chronic lung or heart disorders
* Those who have chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, severe anemia, or immune deficiency (including HIV/AIDS)
* Residents of nursing homes and other facilities that care for people with chronic medical conditions
* Health care workers and other employees of hospitals and nursing homes
* Police, firefighters, and other public safety workers
* Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts to anyone in any of the high-risk groups
The flu shot is needed every year. Flu protection wears off yearly since the flu virus is constantly changing. That's why the vaccine is updated each year to include the most current strains of the virus.
The flu vaccine reduces the average person's chances of catching the flu by up to 80% during the season. Because the vaccine only prevents infection with some of the common yearly viruses that can cause flu-like symptoms, it isn't a 100% guarantee against getting sick. However, usually the flu symptoms will be fewer, short lasting and milder after a flu shot.
Most people do not experience any side effects from the flu shot. Some of those vaccinated may have soreness or swelling at the site of the injection or mild side effects, such as headache or low-grade fever. Although these side effects may last for a day, the flu can make you seriously sick for 2 to 3 weeks or even longer.
A common myth about the flu shot is that it can actually cause the flu. But the flu vaccine used in the United States is made from killed influenza viruses, which means that it's impossible to catch the flu by receiving a flu shot.
I encourage you and your family to get the flu vaccination this fall! I have been getting the shot every year for the past 20 years and I have rarely been sick, even though I am in close quarters with people everyday.
Enjoy Life and Keep Smiling!
George Malkemus has had a Family and Cosmetic Dental Practice in Rohnert Park for over 23 years at 2 Padre Parkway, Suite 200. Call 585-8595, or email info@ malkemusdds.com. Visit Dr. Malkemus’ Web site at http://www.malkemusdds.com
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