The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that because of an abundant supply of 85.5 million doses of the flu vaccine this year, healthy patients do not have to wait for at-risk groups to receive the vaccine before obtaining it themselves. In addition, CDC has indicated the strain of virus that circulated in Australia and New Zealand this year was an especially strong one, and one the United States likely will see headed its way.

“The more people that get vaccinated, the better shape we’re in to face whatever strain is prevalent,” said Dr. Bob England, State Epidemiologist. “The good news this year is there is more than enough vaccine to go around, so whether you are in a high risk group or not, you can get vaccinated now.”

The 2003-2004 vaccine will consist of: H1N1, A/New Caledonia/20/99; H3N2, A/Panama/2007/99 (an A/Moscow/10/99-like virus); and B/Hong Kong/330/2001-like virus strain. Everyone must be re-vaccinated each year because the flu viruses change each year.

This year, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of FluMist, the first nasally administered influenza vaccine to be marketed in the United States. FluMist only is approved for use in healthy individuals age 5-49. It is not approved for use in many of the high risk populations for which influenza vaccine is most recommended.

People at highest risk for complications of influenza include those age 65 and over; pregnant women who will be in their second or third trimester anytime during the flu season; residents of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities; people with diabetes; adults and children with asthma or other chronic lung or heart conditions; and those with weakened immune systems. Other priority groups include children age 6 months to 23 months; health care workers; employees of chronic care facilities; providers of home care to persons at risk; persons who live with others at risk; and otherwise healthy adults age 50 to 64.

Each year, between 20,000 and 40,000 Americans die from influenza and pneumonia. More than 90 percent of these deaths occur in people age 65 and older. Thousands more are hospitalized. In Arizona, nearly 1,300 people died from flu and pneumonia last year. Together in 2002, these two illnesses were the seventh leading cause of death in Arizona, and for persons over 65 they were the sixth leading cause of death.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that can make an individual's immune system less resistant to influenza and other infections. According to national statistics, up to 30,000 Americans with diabetes die each year from complications of influenza and pneumonia; yet, more than half of all people with diabetes still do not get annual flu shots.

Up to 80 percent of all deaths from influenza can be prevented with a flu shot, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Even if a vaccinated person still catches the flu, the vaccine generally makes the illness much less severe and can prevent lower respiratory tract involvement or other complications, thereby reducing the risk of hospitalization and death.

Pneumococcal shots, which can be given at the same time as influenza vaccine, also are recommended for those 65 and older; those with chronic illnesses such as heart and lung conditions or diabetes; people with weakened immune systems due to illnesses such as HIV, AIDS or Hodgkin's disease; persons who have had their spleen removed; and residents of nursing homes and other long-term-care facilities.

It takes about two weeks to build immunity after receiving the flu vaccine. A person cannot get influenza from the flu vaccine. Other measures to prevent the flu include frequent hand washing and keeping hands away from the nose, mouth and eyes.

Influenza is spread by airborne droplets through coughing and sneezing, or by direct contact with respiratory secretions. Flu symptoms may begin suddenly and include fever (101 F or higher), muscle aches, chills, cough, and/or sore throat.

Dr. England cautioned against the use of aspirin and aspirin-containing medications in children and adolescents with flu-like symptoms because of the risk of Reye Syndrome, a rare and sometimes fatal neurological condition that can follow a viral infection like the flu. Substitutes for aspirin include medicines containing only acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, Tempra, or Panadol, or products containing ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin. Many generic or store brands contain these same ingredients. Antibiotics do not work against viral infections such as the flu.

For information about where to go for flu shots, contact the Community Information and Referral Hotline in Metro Phoenix at (602) 263-8856 or (800) 352-3792 for the rest of the state.