By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LULING – Although this year’s flu season has thus far lacked the “excitement” of something akin to the swine flu, that does not diminish the dangers of contracting the flu, according to Kevin Joseph, medical director of St. Charles Community Health Center in Luling.

For that reason, officials at the health center are reminding everyone that it is not too late to get vaccinated against the flu.

In fact, said Joseph, December is a good time to get a flu vaccination as the peak of flu season is still weeks away.

Joseph said so far this year no specific threat has emerged, and the number of cases so far this year has been comparatively light.

“It doesn’t seem to be quite as severe,” said Joseph.

He added that a single vaccination should be enough to protect someone from all the major strains of influenza going around this year.

“We don’t seem to need to be as specific,” said Joseph.

Joseph said the guidelines regarding who needs to be vaccinated are simple.

“Basically, everybody over 6 months of age should get a vaccination,” he said. “Especially the elderly, those under 25 or those who have multiple medical conditions.”

And to those who fear the vaccine will make them sick, he said such fears are unfounded. The vaccine itself, he said, is not made from whole flu viruses but rather of components of the virus so that if a virus invades one’s body, it will know how to react. He added that even if the vaccine makes one feel queasy, he or she should consider the alternative.

“You have to consider what is worse, feeling a little sick or getting the actual flu, which could kill you,” said Joseph.

As it is an airborne virus, getting vaccinated is the best way short of total isolation during the winter months to be protected against the virus. It can be spread through coughing, sneezing or improper hand washing. Once someone contracts the flu, he or she has about a 10-day window when they or most contagious, said Joseph. He added that if one does contract the flu, getting in to see a doctor as early as possible is critical.

“The earlier you get in to get treatment, the shorter the span of the disease,” he said.

He said it is also very important to stay home from work or school if one suspects he or she may have the flu to avoid spreading the disease.

Although the actual benefits of getting vaccinated should be enough reason to get the vaccination, the actual process is so easy there is really no excuse not to get vaccinated. According to Joseph, patients simply need to walk into any local clinic or pharmacy and fill out a short questionnaire. Costs typically range between $15 and $30, and health insurance providers will generally reimburse the cost.

“If you’re at your regular physician visit, just ask and they should be able to accommodate you,” he added.

For more information on influenza and the flu vaccine in general as well as details regarding the severity of cases in a specific area, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov.