Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Y2K Flu Bug Hits Areas; Flu Shots Urged

The Y2K Flu Bug is baring its teeth. Emergency rooms, clinics and pharmacies are packed with achy, miserable, red-nosed Arkansans vowing to get a flu shot next fall.

But it's not too late to get your flu shot now.

The best time to get your flu shot is before the flu season begins, usually in September or October, but the vaccine is still effective as long as you haven't been exposed to the influenza virus, says Dr. William E. Golden from the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care. It takes two to three weeks after taking the flu shot for your body to build up its defense against the flu and provide protection, so getting a shot as soon as possible will provide enough time to protect you during the peak flu season which starts in January.

Even at this late date, flu shots are readily available and inexpensive. And, no matter what you've heard, flu shots don't cause the flu.

Today's flu vaccine is made from dead influenza viruses that are not capable of causing the flu. A small percentage of people who get a flu shot may experience some soreness around the vaccination site or have mild side effects, such as a headache or low-grade fever. The most serious side effect of the flu shot is a reaction in people who are allergic to eggs. Since the viruses used in the flu vaccine are grown in eggs, it is recommended that people with an allergy to eggs not receive the vaccine.

"Virtually anyone who is exposed to the flu virus at work, daycare, even church, may get the flu if they are not immunized," says Golden. "People with a heart condition, respiratory condition, anemia, asthma, diabetes or renal (kidney) disease are also at high risk for complications and should be immunized as soon as possible."

Golden also recommends that Arkansans ask their doctors about an equally important second shot, the pneumococcal vaccine. A once-in-a-lifetime vaccination, which can be taken at the same time as the flu shot will effectively prevent pneumoccocal, the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia.

The best treatment for the flu, says Golden, is not to get infected in the first place. But, if high fever, fatigue and muscle aches of the flu strike, see your doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment with antiviral medications within the first 48 hours of symptoms may decrease the duration of the flu. And, although there have been reports of shortages of newer medications like Tamiflu and Relenza, older, less expensive anti-virals, like Flumadine and Amantidine, appear to be in good supply.

Most private health care providers, health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and local health departments offer flu and pneumococcal vaccines.

It's not too late. Get a flu shot today, Dr. Golden recommends.