Q&A about influenza with the Florida Department of Health-Manatee
Three officials from the Florida Department of Health-Manatee answered common flu-related questions, including Dr. Edwin Hernandez, public health service manager, Carrie Harter, director of disease control and Sondra Edmoundson, nursing director.
Q: When does the DOH-Manatee recognize that flu season has begun and when does it end?
Influenza season begins in early October and goes through May, with sporadic cases identified throughout the summer months.
Q: What strain do you see appearing in Manatee County this year?
The predominantly circulating strain in Florida is currently influenza A (H3), which is typical for this time of year.
Q: How does DOH-Manatee forecast the strength of the flu season in Manatee County in 2015-2016? Will it be mild or severe or in the middle?
The severity of each flu season is unpredictable. This is one of the important reasons why the influenza vaccine is highly recommended each year. The flu vaccine is the single best protection against the flu and its complications.
Q: Can people get their flu shot at the DOH-Manatee and if so, what days and what hours?
Yes. Our clinic operation is 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. We are at 410 Sixth Ave. E., Bradenton. Phone: 941-748-0747. People can make an appointment.
Q: How much does the shot cost this year at DOH-Manatee?
The cost for the vaccine is $25 for the regular vaccine for anyone age 19 and older and the high dose is $35.
Q: How does a flu shot work?
Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with viruses that are in the vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be the most common during the upcoming flu season.
Your body's immunity to these flu viruses can diminish over a year. The most common flu viruses can also shift from flu season to season. That is why it important to receive the flu vac
cine annually.
Q: Will the flu shot make you ill for awhile?
Client misconceptions we've heard include: I get the flu from the shot; I don't like shots; I don't know what's in it; I don't like putting foreign substances in my body; It doesn't work.
Q: Will insurance cover the shot at the DOH-Manatee?
We do not accept insurance as direct payment but we do provide paperwork so the client can get reimbursed.
Q: How many vaccine doses does DOH-Manatee have for the season? Are there enough doses available this year?
For a start we have 1,030 doses on hand, and more to come. There are many other places in Manatee County which also have doses.
Q: What age groups are most at risk and what ages should get the flu shot?
The young, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system are at the highest risk, but anyone should consider getting one.
Q: If someone does get sick how do they know it is the flu and not a cold?
Symptoms of the flu usually come on abruptly, including but not limited to fever, sore throat, runny nose and body aches. If someone is feeling ill, it is recommended to follow-up with their local physician for further guidance.
Richard Dymond, Herald reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7072 or contact him via Twitter@RichardDymond.
This story was originally published October 20, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Q&A about influenza with the Florida Department of Health-Manatee ."