Parents,
This is a reminder that the state is supplying Steller with FluMist vaccinations. I was told I could request the vaccinations for a week in November and I requested them for this week. I have not heard anything from Health Services about which exact day the FluMist will be available and I am certain that is because my supervisor has not hear anything from the state. This just gives me time to solicit more consents. The consent and information sheet were sent with the first announcement on Flash. I also sent a hard copy home last week. Scroll down and find that announcement and print the sheets off or if you are in the building just drop by the office. I have consents and information sheets on the counter top in a manilla folder. I must have a consent to administer the vaccination.
The flu is already circulating in the building. Several people have been sick – both students and staff. Please get those consents in and help prevent the flu from spreading any further. I get my vaccination every year and it has made a difference. I have not been sick with the flu virus in years. FluMist is the only vaccination that will be given because it has been shown to be more effective than the injection with children and adolescents. The information sheets posted under Flash with the first announcement will tell you more, including contraindications for the FluMist.
FYI, all vaccinations have the potential for side effects. However, the vaccination has never been determined to give a person the flu. There is the potential for several adverse reactions to the flu virus itself. The information below is cut and pasted from the CDC website. Please think seriously about having your adolescent immunized against flu this year. Thank you. Nurse Anne
www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/disease.htm
Flu Symptoms & Severity
Influenza Symptoms
Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
*Â Â Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
*Â Â Cough
*Â Â Sore throat
*Â Â Runny or stuffy nose
*Â Â Muscle or body aches
*Â Â Headaches
*Â Â Fatigue (tiredness)
*Â Â Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
* It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
Flu Complications
Most people who get influenza will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of the flu, some of which can be life-threatening and result in death.
Pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections are three examples of complications from flu. The flu can make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic congestive heart failure may have worsening of this condition that is triggered by the flu.