Flu Season


A recent study from the University of Minnesota has garnered significant media attention regarding the efficacy of the flu vaccine. Hermann Area District Hospital and other health experts agree on the most important findings of this study:


• The flu shot is our best defense against the seasonal flu for individuals and our communities.

• The health care and research communities need to continue researching for more effective antigens to fight influenza.


This study does not change the fact that the CDC says as many as 49,000 Americans die from the seasonal flu each year. To lower the flu's death toll, a flu shot is the most effective step to protect ourselves and our loved ones from this disease.

- Curtis Thomas, PhD, MLS (ASCP) – Infection Control Practitioner

Learn about Who Needs A Flu Vaccine.

Common Questions and Answers


Why is it important to get a flu shot?

In the United States, More than 36,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations are caused by the flu each year. Influenza (flu) is a serious disease that can cause:

• Fever

• Cough

• Chills

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Muscle aches


What is the difference between a cold and the flu?



How long can flu viruses live on hard surfaces such as door knobs, telephones, etc.?

For 2 - 8 hours.


How does the flu spread?

It usually spreads from person to person in respiratory droplets when people who are infected cough or sneeze. People occasionally may become infected by touching something with influenza virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. Healthy adults may be able to infect others 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 5 days after getting sick. Therefore, it is possible to give some one the flu before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick.


When is the best time to get a flu shot?

We advise getting flu shots as early as possible so you have full immunity before the regular flu season arrives. It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to help you develop immunity.


When is the normal flu season in Missouri?

The peak for flu is usually January. We usually see the first flu cases sometime in November or December, and the season runs through March.


Who should get the flu shot?

Annual flu vaccination is now recommended every year for every one over 6 months of age. While everyone should get a flu vaccination each flu season, it's especially important that the following groups get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications:

• Anyone age 50 or older

• All children

• Pregnant women

• Anyone with long-term health problems

• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities


     -Healthcare workers

     -Household contacts and caregivers of people 50 years and older or anyone with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications



Why do people need to be vaccinated every year?

Flu strains change from year to year, so it is necessary to be vaccinated annually. The CDC tracks which flu strains are causing illness all year long and includes the strains in the vaccine that they think will be most common in the upcoming year.


Can you get the flu from the flu shot?

No, that's a myth. All the viruses in the vaccine have been killed, so people cannot get the flu from a flu shot.


What do you say to people who say, "I never get sick so I don't need to get a flu shot"?

Getting a flu shot not only protects you, but if you live with or know anyone who has asthma, diabetes or any other chronic illness, getting a flu shot helps to prevent the spread of influenza to them.


What about the nasal-spray flu vaccine we've heard about?

FluMist is a needle-free flu vaccine - a gentle nasal mist delivered into the nose, where the flu virus usually enters the body. Just a quick spray in each nostril. FluMist is a live weakened influenza virus vaccine. It is approved for healthy individuals between the ages of 2 and 49. Pregnant women should get the traditional flu shot or a thimerosal free flu shot - not FluMist.


Are there any things people can do to avoid the flu?

• Get a flu shot every year

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet

• Drink plenty of liquids and get plenty of sleep

• If you are sick, stay home to avoid passing anything on to others

• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze

• Cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm rather than your hand

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after blowing your nose or coughing or sneezing. Discard used tissue immediately into the trash can. We know not as many people as we would like get immunized.


What can people do if they get the flu?


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Learn about Who Needs A Flu Vaccine.