FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bel Air, MD - March 10, 2009 - Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Recently, there have been reports of several influenza-associated pediatric deaths in Maryland. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially reported 22 child deaths from laboratory confirmed influenza-related complications this flu season. These deaths are a reminder of protecting children and adults from the flu - especially those at high risk from serious flu-related complications.

It is still not too late to get the flu shot. Vaccination remains the best method for preventing influenza and its potentially severe complications in children and adults - even in years where there is a suboptimal match between vaccine and the circulating strains of influenza viruses. There are two different types of influenza vaccine:

• The flu shot - an inactivated vaccine that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot can be given to people 6 months of age and older, including healthy individuals, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions.
• The nasal spray flu vaccine - a vaccine (FluMist®) made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu. FluMist® is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.

Vaccination is recommended for any person >6 months of age in order to prevent the flu and its complications. Individuals at highest risk from flu complications include:

• Children younger than 5 years old, including children younger than 6 months of age who are too young to be vaccinated
• Children and adults with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease
• Adults 65 years and older

In addition to flu vaccination, other strategies must be used to combat the flu. These include proper hand washing and cough etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes) and staying home from work and/or school when you are sick to avoid spreading your illness to others.

Flu vaccinations (flu shot and FluMist) are available from the Harford County Health Department. For more information, call 410-612-1774.