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Show Flu Season Expected Soon in Utah Areas Although influenza has not yet reached Utah', the State Health Department is advising citizens that the influenza season is expected in only a few weeks. According to Craig R. Nichols, Director of the Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, influenza outbreaks usually begin in Utah between mid-December and the end of January and continue for 6-8 weeks. "Influenza vaccine is recommended each year for individuals at high risk of influenza complications," said Nichols. "High risk individuals are people over age 65, and those patients with heart, lung, or kidney disease, diabetes, severe anemia and ' those receiving medications that compromise the immune mechanism." "Because it takes approximately four weeks for the body to develop protective antibodies after the vaccine is given, all high risk individuals should be immunized before influenza arrives," he said. Vaccine supplies are adequate this year and immunizations are being offered by physicians throughout the state. In some cases, local health departments still have a limited number of doses available for high risk patients. Nichols advises that people needing vaccine should contact their physician or health department in advance to determine immunization clinic hours and costs. "Predicting the ! severity of influenza outbreaks is difficult," ! said Nichols. "However it I is known that thousands ; of people become ill each ! year, and deaths related to pneumonia and in-! fluenza increased during ! the influenza season." ! Influenza vaccine for this year will provide protection against A-Brazil, A-Bangkok and B-Singapore strains. |
