Flu Season 2010-2011
Monday, January 10, 2011 at 10:51AM 
Have you been vaccinated for this year's flu season? It’s not too late. Some southeastern states are reporting widespread flu activity. New York City has also seen a surge. Illinois is has increased reports of flu activity. Not as much talk about H1N1 compared to last year. But we experienced a very active seasonal allergy year in 2010. Winter allergy complaints have been very prevalent based on my assessment in our Chicago area offices.
This has me more concerned about this winter's flu season. People with asthma are in a high risk group for having complications related to flu syndrome. The most concerning complication is pneumonia.
The Centers for Disease Control recommend anyone 6 months of age or older get vaccinated for influenza. The target population has expanded because the flu vaccine has so little risk but significant potential benefit to those who get it.
Who shouldn't get the flu vaccine?
-Those under 6 months of age
-Anyone who has had a reaction to a previous flu shot
-People allergic to egg (but there is a way to still get the flu vaccine if you see an allergist)
-Those that have previously had Guillain Barre Syndrome
-Anyone who is allergic to a component of the flu vaccine
Many more details and updated information about the flu vaccine for 2010-11 can be found here:
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