Flu Season 2010 - 2011 Q&A with Dr. Reuben Varghese : Human Services : Arlington, Virginia

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Arlington County Public Health Director Dr. Reuben Varghese

Seasonal influenza or “the flu” is caused by an influenza virus which can infect the nose, throat and/or lungs.
Unlike the common cold virus, a flu virus can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in some people.
Older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for serious complications from the flu.
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get a flu vaccine each year.

Get vaccinated against the flu! It is the single best way to protect yourself against the flu and its complications. The vaccine protects against the three flu strains scientists believe will cause the most illness during flu season (October – March)
In combination with getting vaccinated, taking these everyday, common sense steps can stop spreading the flu to others or yourself:
- Wash your hands with soap & water frequently.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue.
- Stay home from work or school when sick.

All persons 6 months of age and older who can get a flu shot should get one every year.

H1N1 is still around. Fortunately, this year’s seasonal flu vaccine protects against the H1N1 strain; it is one of the three flu strains that was included in this year’s vaccine.

Yes. Even though you received vaccine in the 2009 – 2010 season against H1N1, you still have to get vaccinated as the virus can change.

Last year, two types of vaccine were recommended for those who could get the flu vaccine: the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine.
This year’s flu vaccine includes the H1N1 strain because it has become one of the three main seasonal flu strains.

Children under 10 years of age may require two doses of the same vaccine, if this is the first time they have ever received a flu vaccine. Two doses are need in these children because their immune systems are less mature than children 10 years of age and older. Please check with your child’s health care provider to see if your child under 10 years of age requires 1 or 2 doses of the vaccine.

Immunity against flu develops two weeks after vaccination and provides protection through the flu season.

Influenza viruses spread primarily through respiratory droplets as a person coughs or sneezes, which is why we recommend covering your coughs and sneezes to prevent spreading the flu to others.
In addition, if a person touches a surface with these respiratory droplets and brings their hand to their nose, throat or mouth, he or she can be infected with the flu. This is why we recommend that you wash your hands with soap and water frequently – you don’t know where those respiratory droplets might have landed.

If there aren’t significant changes in the virus strains from year to year, you will have some protection against the flu. However, flu viruses change constantly so your body becomes less effective at fighting against these ever changing, ever evolving viruses. This is why we recommend getting a flu vaccine every year.

Yes. Beyond infecting your nose, throat, and lungs, flu can cause complications such as bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may develop sinus problems and ear infections.

Most people don’t need to be tested to be diagnosed with the flu. Doctors make the diagnosis often based on symptoms alone during the flu season. If your doctor thinks its necessary, there are tests available to confirm the diagnosis.