With spring only about six weeks away, many people who didn't get a flu shot this season may think they're in the clear. However, the state of Michigan recently announced an increase in reports of influenza-like illness, especially in the heavily populated southeast part of the state.
A Michigan State University physician says a rise in flu numbers is not unusual for this time of year, adding it's still not too late to consider a flu shot.
"It's definitely not too late, especially for persons at high risk," said Dele Davies, chairperson of MSU's Department of Pediatrics and Human Development. "However, it's important to remember it takes about two weeks after getting the vaccine to be protected."
Davies said all children and adolescents over six months of age who are considered at high risk should be vaccinated. These include children with conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, certain heart conditions, compromised immune systems, sickle cell anemia or similar conditions.
Adults with such ailments as chronic kidney disease, diabetes or other conditions also should consider vaccination.
As for healthy children, Davies said the "jury is still out" on vaccination.
"The Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics currently 'encourage' immunizations in persons age six months to 23 months whenever feasible," he said. "However, a full recommendation to immunize this group has not been made because of the need for more information and education about risks and benefits of annual immunization, acceptability with parents and reimbursement, among other issues."
When caring for a flu patient, Davies said the old standbys of plenty of rest and liquids continue to work. In addition, a number of drugs are proving useful, including Amantadine, which is effective against influenza A; oseltamivir for children one year or younger; or Zanamivir for people age 7 and older.
"None of those, however, are considered a substitute for vaccination," he said.
Flu ranks sixth in causes of death among children ages 1 to 4, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
For additional information on the flu, visit the CDC Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/fluvirus.htm, or the Michigan Department of Community Health Web site at http://www.mich.gov/emi/0,1303,7-102-112-61231--,00.html.
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