Protecting Yourself with the Flu Shot
The elderly are most at risk against the deadly virus
By Fred Cicetti
It’s time for a flu shot.
You can get the flu vaccine from your doctor, and at public health facilities, senior centers, pharmacies and supermarkets. Adults over 50 are prime candidates for the vaccine because the flu can be fatal for older people. Read more
The Flu and You
Flu season in the northern hemisphere can range from as early as November to as late as May. The peak month usually is February.
However, this coming season is expected to be unpredictable because of the emergence of the H1N1 influenza virus, or swine flu. H1N1 has caused the first global outbreak—pandemic—of influenza in more than four decades.
There is concern that the 2009 H1N1 virus may make the season worse than a regular flu season. It is feared that there will be many more hospitalizations and fatalities this season. The 2009 H1N1 virus caused illness in the United States during the summer months, when influenza is very uncommon. Read more
SHOTS AND FLU INFO
Medical experts and Department of Health officials will answer questions about seasonal and swine flu at a town hall sponsored by Community Board 8 and East Side elected officials. Representatives from Metropolitan Hospital and city officials will be a part of the panel. The town hall will be held on Oct. 28 at Hunter School of Social Work, 129 E. 79th St., between Lexington and Park avenues, in room 1010. The meeting will start at 7 p.m.
State Sen. José Serrano and New York-Presbyterian Hospital are also sponsoring a free flu shot event for adults over 21 years of age on Oct. 22. People can arrive at Taller Boricua, 1680 Lexington Ave. between East 105th and 106th streets, from 4 to 7 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 212-828-5829.
Flu-Like Symptoms Shutter St. David’s
St. David’s, a private Catholic school for boys on East 89th Street, closed today after several students reported flu-like symptoms.
“Asking the students not to come to school today was the best way to control the spread of the symptoms through our community,” said St. David’s Headmaster, David O’Halloran. “It was the responsible thing to do for the safety and health of our boys and teachers.” Read more
PREPPING FOR FLU SEASON
It’s time for a flu shot.
Flu season in the northern hemisphere can range from as early as November to as late as May. The peak month usually is February.
The vaccine can be administered anytime during flu season. However, the best time to get inoculated is October-November. The protection provided by the vaccine lasts about a year. Adults older than 50 are prime candidates for the vaccine because the flu can be fatal for people in this age group. Read more
