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Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccinations

NOTE: Seasonal flu is not the same as H1N1 (swine) flu. For information on H1N1 (swine) flu, go to larimerflu.org

Don't get the flu. Don't spread the flu. Get Vaccinated. www.cdc.gov/flu

Current Information (October 26, 2009)

The Larmer County Health Department is currently out of seasonal flu vaccine for both adults and children.

Flu Hotline: 970-498-6706

2009-2010 season - All health department locations (Loveland, Estes Park and Fort Collins) are currently out of seasonal flu vaccine. Please check back mid-November for more information.

The seasonal flu vaccine is not the same as the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine. They are two different vaccines and require two different shots.

Seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect you against the H1N1 (swine) flu. A vaccine for H1N1 (swine) flu is expected to be available in mid to late October. Specific dates are not available at this time. The new vaccine still needs to be manufactured and distributed throughout the world.

In Larimer County, the H1N1 vaccine will most likely be available in a combination of settings such as a large vaccination clinics organized by the health department, at some healthcare provider offices, and at other settings, such as pharmacies and workplaces. More information on H1N1 (swine) vaccine will be posted as it is available.

Seasonal flu is a form of influenza ("the flu") that occurs yearly. It is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. It can show up as a mild illness or can result in complications that are serious and debilitating. Complications of seasonal flu result in over 36,000 deaths per year in the U.S.

Seasonal flu usually comes to Larimer County in late October and peaks in February. Though flu commonly ends by early spring, it can show up as late as May.

The usual seasonal influenza viruses are expected to cause illness this fall and winter at the same time that H1N1 (swine) flu is making people sick. You are encouraged to get your seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible. According to the CDC the seasonal flu vaccine provides protection for at least one year following vaccination. Immunity from a flu vaccine received in September is expected to last the entire flu season.

All three the Larimer County Health Department locations are currently out of seasonal flu vaccine. More vaccine is expected to be available in mid-November. For information on seasonal flu, flu vaccine and Larimer County Health Department flu immunizations, click on the links below:

Flu vaccination information (2009-2010)

Beginning August 31, 2009:

Seasonal Flu vaccinations for children 18 and under are $14.50.
Adult prices:
Seasonal Flu vaccination: As of August 31, 2009: $30
Seasonal Flu Mist (nasal spray) : As of August 31, 2009: $36
Pneumococcal vaccination: $49

The best time to receive a flu shot is from now (September) through January. However, it is not too late to receive a flu shot as late as February or March since flu can continue into spring. Persons at high risk for complications of the flu should try to receive the shot by November (see below).

We will have a supply of flu mist (nasal spray vaccine) for adults through age 49 and for children over age 2. Flu mist is not appropriate for all people. (see below). We will accept Medicare, and Medicaid. Please note that we will only accept cash or check.

Where can I get vaccinated for seasonal flu?

You can receive your flu vaccine (shot or nasal spray) at the following clinic sites:

Loveland
205 East 6th Street
679-4580
There are no clinics held the first Wednesday of each month.
Monday: 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - noon
Weds: Second Wednesday of each month, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Estes Park
1601 Brodie Avenue
(970) 577-2050
Shots will be available at the regularly scheduled walk-in hours:
Mondays 1 pm - 4 pm and Wednesdays 9 am -12 noon.
There are no clinics held on the first Wednesday of each month.

Fort Collins
1525 Blue Spruce Drive
498-6700
Monday: 9:00 am - noon; 1:00 - 3:30 pm
Tuesday: Children Only Clinic 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - noon
3rd Saturday of September, October and November: 9:00 am - noon.

For more information on other flu vaccination clinics:

Who should get a seasonal flu vaccination?

This year, the Health Department is stressing the importance of flu shots for women who will be pregnant during flu season, as well as parents or household members of children below 6 months of age. It has been shown that women who contract the flu while pregnant are at higher risk of serious complications. Also, infants cannot be vaccinated before 6 months, so it's also important that the parents, other household members, and child care providers are vaccinated so they don't transmit flu to the baby.

Flu vaccines are recommended for:

  • anyone over 50 years old, especially those over 65
  • all children who are at least 6 months old through 18 years old
  • women who are pregnant or intend to be pregnant during flu season
  • Healthcare workers
  • any adult or child with a chronic illness like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, muscle or nervous system disease, immune system problems, blood disease
  • adults and children with spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other condition that might affect respiratory functions or swallowing
  • anyone who lives in a nursing home
  • any child over 6 months and under 18 years who takes aspirin regularly
  • anyone who is a household member or caretaker of a person at high risk for flu complications
  • any health care worker who is in contact with patients at high risk for flu complications

Flu vaccine is encouraged for:

  • People who provide essential community services
  • People who live in close quarters with many other people, such as dormitories and other residential groups
  • Anyone who want to reduce the risk of getting flu this year.
  • People who are traveling to the tropics at any time of year, or to the southern hemisphere from September to April.

Who should not get a flu shot:

  • People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
  • People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past
  • People who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome within six weeks of getting an influenza vaccine
  • Children less than six months old
  • People who are sick with a fever (once symptoms are over, you can get vaccinated)

If you are unsure whether or not you should get a flu vaccination, talk to your health care provider or call the Flu Hotline at 498-6706.

More facts about seasonal flu vaccination:

  • The flu shot you received last year will not protect you this year.
  • There are two ways to get flu vaccine: a flu shot or a nasal spray.
  • The risks associated with both vaccinations are extremely small. The risks associated with getting the flu while unvaccinated are higher.
  • The "flu shot" is an inactivated virus that is given through an injection. It has been used for many years.
  • The nasal spray vaccination is made from a live, but weakened, virus and it is sprayed into the nostrils. It is recommended for healthy children and adults from 2 - 49 years old. It is not recommended for people with chronic health problems, people with severely weakened immune systems, pregnant women, children under 2 or adults over 50.
  • People who have ever had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or influenza vaccine in the past should consult their physicians before getting vaccinated.
  • The best time to be immunized against annual flu is as early as possible after vaccine supplies are available (September). It is best to receive your vaccination as early as possible to provide a longer period of protection. But, it is not too late to receive your flu shot as late as January or even in February if flu is still circulating.
  • Flu season usually peaks in February, but cases can occur as late as May.

Facts about seasonal influenza

Symptoms of the flu

The flu attacks the nose, throat and lungs, but is different from a cold. Influenza usually comes on suddenly and may include fever, headache, extreme fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches which are sometimes severe.

Complications of the flu

Complications caused by the flu can result in very serious extended illness or even death in weakened individuals. Complications include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as heart problems, asthma or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections.

Each year, more than 200,000 people may be hospitalized from complications of the flu. Up to 36,000 people die each year from these complications.

How to Know if You Have the Flu

Your respiratory illness might be the flu if you have sudden onset of body aches, fever, and respiratory symptoms, and your illness occurs during November through April (the usual flu season in the Northern Hemisphere). However, during this time, other respiratory illnesses can cause similar symptoms and flu can be caught at any time of the year. It is impossible to tell for sure if you have the flu based on symptoms alone. Doctors can perform tests to see if you have the flu if you are in the first few days of your illness.

The myth of the "stomach flu"

Many people use the term "stomach flu" to describe illnesses with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms can be caused by many different viruses, bacteria, or even parasites. While vomiting, diarrhea, and being nauseous or "sick to your stomach" can sometimes be related to the flu - particularly in children - these problems are rarely the main symptoms of influenza. The flu is a respiratory disease and not a stomach or intestinal disease.

How flu spreads

The flu spreads in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. It usually spreads from person to person, though occasionally a person may become infected by touching something with virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

A person who is infected can spread the flu to others beginning a day or more before getting symptoms, and up to 7 days after getting sick. That means that you can give someone the flu before you know you're sick as well as while you are sick.

Four simple steps to prevent getting the flu:

  1. Get your flu vaccination!

    Receiving an annual flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and those close to you. Your flu shot from last year will not protect you from the flu this year. You must receive a flu shot yearly since the virus changes from year to year. This year's vaccine is made to work against the flu strain that is most likely to circulate this year.

  2. Wash your hands!

    Flu virus is spread by droplets from the nose and throat. The virus can stay alive on surfaces such as door handles, desks, faucets, and shared towels. Wash your hands often throughout the day with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand wash.

  3. Cover your sneezes and coughs!

    Cough and sneeze into your elbow rather than into your hands. Discard used tissues in the trash. Again, wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, and handling used tissue.

  4. Stay home from work when you are sick!

    It is not admirable for you to show up for work when you have the flu. You are doing nobody a favor. You are merely spreading your illness to your co-workers.

It's always important to practice healthy lifestyle habits to keep your body strong and ready to fight disease at all times. Healthy eating, exercise, quitting smoking, having a yearly check-up and staying current on your immunizations can go a long way toward keeping you healthy.

What To Do If You Get The Flu

  • Stay home away from work, school or errands. This prevents spreading the illness to others
  • Rest
  • Drink plenty of liquids
  • Avoid using alcohol and tobacco
  • Take medication to relieve the symptoms of flu (pain relievers and fever reducers). Influenza is caused by a virus, so antibiotics (like penicillin) don't cure it.

Caution! Do not give aspirin to a child or teenager who has the flu

Never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms - and particularly fever - without first speaking to your doctor. Giving aspirin to children and teenagers who have influenza can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome. Children or teenagers with the flu should get plenty of rest, drink lots of liquids, and take medicines that contain no aspirin to relieve symptoms.

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