BRMC Offering Flu Shots Soon

One of the best ways to protect against influenza is to get vaccinated each year which is why Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) will soon be offering flu shots to the general public. The flu season is approaching and studies have shown skipping that annual flu shot could have serious consequences.

Terrie O'Brien, RN, BRMC’s infection control practitioner, says being vaccinated is among the single-most effective ways to prevent getting the flu and spreading it to others.

"You should be immunized to not only protect yourself but others that you care about as well," Mrs. O'Brien said.

Fortunately, plenty of vaccine will be available this year, according to Gary Malacarne, Pharm. D., BRMC’s pharmacy director. "We ordered 4,000 doses and we now have it all," he notes.

The flu vaccine is for two A-strains and also a B-strain. Dr. Malacarne explains that the three strains are A/Brisbane/59, A/Brisbane/10 and B/Florida/4.

The past few years have been mild flu seasons. Because of this reason local hospital officials are concerned many people, particularly those in high-risk categories, may be lax about getting vaccinated this year.

"January is the peak flu season so October and November are considered the best time to get vaccinated,” Mrs. O'Brien says.

"If we have a typical flu season this year, we'll see significant increases of flu cases and deaths nationally," a trend that could occur locally, Dr. Malacarne says.

Starting mid-October, high-risk hospital patients and residents at the Pavilion at BRMC will be given flu shots, he says. If this flu season mirrors last year’s, “It should be an average or slightly above-average flu season,” the pharmacist remarks.

That’s why most people should be thinking of getting inoculated, says Mrs. O’Brien. Practically everyone is old enough to get a flu vaccine. "Those who are 6 months and older should get vaccinated," Mrs. O'Brien says. "It's a myth that only older individuals need vaccinated."

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms can include high fever, headache, exhaustion, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea also can occur but are more common in children than adults.

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma and diabetes. Undoubtedly, the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a vaccination, Mrs. O’Brien says.

To ensure both community and patient safety, BRMC is encouraging its employees to be vaccinated as well. Flu viruses mainly spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. In some cases, people can become infected just by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

"That's why good hand hygiene also is important," Mrs. O'Brien adds. "So wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand-cleaning gel if you don't have access to soap and water." Also, "People should use good respiratory etiquette. Cover your mouth with a sleeve or tissue when sneezing or coughing," Mrs. O'Brien notes. "If you're infected with the flu, wear a mask to minimize risks to others."

BRMC officials expect to release their schedule for community flu shots shortly.

(In the photo, courtesy of BRMC, Gary Malacarne, Pharm. D., Bradford Regional Medical Center’s pharmacy director, reviews the final shipment of flu vaccine.)