FLU NEWS
October 29, 2004– Welcome to the second issue of Flu News, the American Lung Association’s Flu Season E-newsletter. Flu vaccine supply and virus strains are variables during any flu season. The American Lung Association Flu News is dedicated to keeping people informed on all of the latest news related to influenza.
IMPROVING PUBLIC HEALTH IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY…The American Lung Association is encouraging citizens and lawmakers to focus on what we can all do together to improve our public health and make it a top priority. Click here for the President & CEO of the American Lung Association's special flu season message.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE 2004-2005 FLU SEASON… Click here for the CDC’s 10/26 update on the current flu season.
FLU SHOT LOCATOR UPDATE ...The directory of flu shot clinics on this site is updated daily for people at high risk for complications from the flu (see: Flu Vaccine Shortage Guidelines ). Click here for a flu shot clinic near you.
CONCERNED ABOUT NOT GETTING A SHOT?... If you’re concerned that you’re not going to get a flu shot this year the CDC has crafted a public service announcement just for you….click here for the PSA in several digital formats.
VACCINE OPTIONS FOR THOSE NOT AT RISK… For healthly people, aged 5-49, FluMist, the nasal vaccine released for the first time last flu season, is an option. FluMist is being encouraged for healthy caregivers of at-risk people. People interested in being vaccinated by FluMist should ask their doctor. Information on the FluMist can be found in the Cold and Flu Guidelines on www.lungusa.org , as well as at www.flumist.com, or their helpline at 1-877-FLUMIST.
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION:
ANTIVIRAL DRUGS AND THE FLU… The CDC just updated their Antiviral Drugs and the Flu document, which offers treatment and prevention options for people at high risk for contracting complications from the flu. Click here for the full article from the CDC.
PREVENTING FLU IN SCHOOL... Click here for information and poster materials for educators, staff, and parents can help slow the spread of colds and flu.
STOPPING GERMS AT WORK... Illnesses like the flu (influenza) and colds are caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu and colds usually spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Click here to find out how to stop the spread of germs at work.
WHAT CAN BE DONE IF YOU GET THE FLU?... There are effective treatments that can reduce the duration of the suffering caused by the flu and improve your quality of life. See your doctor within 2 days of when flu symptoms appear to find out if these and other treatments are right for you. Click here for the full article.
MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT THE FLU AND COLDS... Click here to find out if ‘starve a cold and feed a fever’ will shorten your recovery or just add to your misery.
SUPPORT THE LUNG ASSOCIATION’S FLU PREVENTION AND OUTREACH EFFORTS
The following links feature a sampling of the most recent influenza news stories. As these news sources come from secondary sources, the Lung Association does not verify their accuracy or support any medical claims. Click on each link for the full story from the source identified.
Flu Shots for Federal Workers, Military Diverted, Washington Post
U.S.Works to Import 5 Million Flu Shots, Associated Press
The mission of the American Lung Association is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.
To contact an American Lung Association in your area, call 1-800-LUNGUSA.
