Friday, October 8, 2010

“Flu Shots” and Hepatitis C: Should I Get Mine ?

Mother and Sick Child, Holland, 1600s. This painting was done by the Flemish painter, Gabriel Metsu, and is commonly known as "The Sick Child". 
,
Lucinda Porter, RN

Influenza, also known as the flu affects an average of 5% to 20% of the United States population.

The flu is not just a bad cold –it is a potentially serious illness. Accordingto the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) , every year more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die from flu-related complications. Infants, young children, elderly and people with certain health conditions are at the greatest risk for serious complications.

The best way to avoid the flu is through vaccination. Contrary to popular myths,vaccination does not give us the flu-- it protects us from getting it.

People living with chronic hepatitis C infection(HCV), cirrhosis, and those undergoing HCV treatment should ask their medical providers for an annual flu shot. Treatment may provide an excellent time to get a flu shot since interferon stimulates the immune response. If you have complications from HCV, such as you are waiting for a liver transplant, your medical provider may recommend that you have an early flu shot


It is best to get the shot in October or November 
Getting a flu shot in December or later is
better than not getting one at all

From a series of fact sheets written by experts in the field of liver
disease 

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