Each year thousands of Missourians become ill with influenza and many lose their lives after suffering complications from the flu and pneumonia. As the 2008 flu season gets under way, Gov. Blunt underscored the importance of effective prevention against the flu virus by proclaiming last month as Influenza Prevention Month.
“Influenza affects all age groups, though children bear much of the disease burden and senior adults are at greatest risk for life-threatening complications from the flu,” said Jane Drummond, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “Because the flu can and does affect all of us, we all are responsible for doing what we can to protect ourselves, our families and our communities from the influenza virus.”
Vaccination against the flu is one of the most effective countermeasures against the spread of the flu virus. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommends that all school-aged children receive vaccination, as they bear the greatest burden of disease and are at higher risk of needing influenza-related medical care. Senior adults are encouraged to get the flu vaccine and to discuss with their healthcare provider the need for the vaccine that protects against pneumonia, which can develop as a flu complication.
Other prevention measures proven effective in limiting the spread of the flu virus include thorough hand washing several times a day, practicing cough and sneeze etiquette and staying home from work or school when feeling ill.
“The department of health and senior services is working with our local public health partners and healthcare providers across the state to try to increase vaccination rates,” Drummond said. “We ask Missourians to do their part to protect themselves and their families from influenza,” she added.