The symptoms of influenza, which include fever, chills, generalized muscle pains, headache, fatigue and cough, can be especially severe for patients with respiratory diseases such as asthma. Additionally, influenza may make patients more susceptible to pneumonia. In severe cases influenza can be fatal.

Patients often wait until they are exposed to the influenza virus to get immunized, however, the optimal time for patients to receive the shot is before they are exposed to the virus. The vaccination, which is covered by Medicare, begins offering protection about two weeks after it is administered. Typically, influenza cases peak in January and February. Getting the flu shot now gives your body time to build immunity to the strains of influenza predicted to be most prevalent in the months to follow.

The following groups are at risk and should get the influenza vaccine ("flu shot"):

• Those age 65 and older;
• Residents of long-term care facilities;
• Patients with chronic health conditions such as asthma, lung disease, emphysema, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, anemia and blood disorders, immune deficiency, AIDS;
• Patients undergoing treatments such as cortisone therapy, cancer treatment, aspirin treatment (Children on aspirin can develop Reyes Syndrome if they catch influenza.);
• Pregnant women;
• Physicians, nurses and others in the health care industry;
• Anyone coming in close contact with people at risk.

The flu shot does pose some concern for people allergic to eggs. The influenza vaccine is grown in chicken eggs. Although almost all of the egg protein is filtered out of the vaccine, people with egg allergy should check with their allergist before receiving the flu shot.

The AAAAI is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the United States representing more than 6,000 allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease.

The ACAAI is a professional medical organization comprised of 4,100 qualified allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals dedicated to the clinical practice of allergy, asthma and immunology through education and research to promote the highest quality of patient care.

The ACCP is the leading resource for the improvement of cardiopulmonary health and critical care worldwide. Its 15,000 members encompass all the disciplines of chest medicine, including pulmonology, cardiology, thoracic surgery, asthma, immunology, critical care, pediatrics and others.

The ATS, founded in 1905, is an independently incorporated, international educational and scientific society which focuses on respiratory and critical care medicine. Today, the Society has approximately 13,500 members, 25 percent of whom are from outside the U.S. The Society's members help prevent and fight respiratory disease around the globe, through research, education, patient care and advocacy. The Society's long-range goal is to decrease morbidity and mortality from respiratory disorders and life-threatening acute illnesses. 

SOURCE: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

WEB SITE: http://www.aaaai.org/

CO: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; American College of Chest Physicians; American Thoracic Society