Influenza a threat; vaccines help

It is over 20 million people dying in a terrifying pandemic in 1918. It is a 2002 IU student sick in bed for a week with high fever and cough missing classes and activities. It is a tiny pin prick and a few seconds of discomfort in the arm. What is it? Influenza: the disease and the vaccine.\nInfluenza is a sudden and severe viral infection with fever of 102 and higher, cough, severe muscle aches and extreme exhaustion, which lasts one or two weeks. This disease is very different from the common cold and other viral illnesses sometimes called "the flu." It is highly infectious with complications accounting for more deaths than any other vaccine preventable disease and 14,000 hospitalizations annually.\nThe best protection against influenza is to take a flu shot every year. You might still get the flu, but it should be a milder case than if you did not get vaccinated. Four prescription medications are available to treat influenza and some of these may be used to prevent influenza. They need to be started within the first two days of illness and can be given to close contacts. Like all medications, there are some side effects and contraindications, so see the IU Health Center if you become ill or exposed to influenza.\nThe influenza vaccine is formulated each year from killed viruses which the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention predicts will be the most virulent. The influenza virus changes often, so a new formulation is needed every year. This "flu shot" is manufactured through the summer months and is ready in the fall. During the past two years, production problems caused limited availability and delivery delays. Fortunately, this year's production and delivery is going well and no problems are expected.\nMany continuing health conditions make people high risk for serious complications from influenza. These conditions include asthma, diabetes, diseases of the heart, lungs, kidneys, anemia, metabolic diseases and HIV. In addition, persons taking cancer treatments and long term, high doses of corticosteriods such as prednisone are at high risk. If you are in any of these groups, it is recommended you get your flu shot now.\nYou cannot get the flu from the shot because the virus is not live. Most people only have mild soreness at the injection site for about one day. Many others have no problems at all. A few will experience mild aches or a low fever. Serious problems are very rare. Like any medication, the flu shot can cause an allergic reaction but this is very rare.\nThe IU Health Center has the flu vaccine now. Students in the above high risk groups can walk in or call 855-7688 to schedule a flu shot appointment. In November, the IUHC will have it's complete order of vaccine and flu shots will be given on campus at these times and places:\nNov. 6, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. -- IMU Alumni Hall at the Health Fair\nNov. 12, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. -- Foster-Gresham Food Court\nNov. 13, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. -- Main Library\nNov. 14, 9 to 11 a.m. -- Kelley School of Business\nNov. 19, 1 to 3 p.m. -- Poplars Main Lobby\nOther locations will be announced at a later date. \nAnyone who lives in crowded conditions such as a dormitory or greek house and anyone who wants to reduce the chance of catching influenza is encouraged to get a flu shot.\nThis year's cost is $10 for all students, $14 for non student spouses and students' children age 12 and older. IU staff and faculty may also get a flu shot at the Health Center by scheduling an appointment or coming to any of the campus sites. IU employee health insurance plans cover the cost of flu shots. The cost to other non student employees is $14.\nMore information is available at www.cdc.gov/nip/flu, the source for this article.