Flu vaccine available, effective

The rapidly mutating influenza virus is to blame for the spike in flu last year.

The 2007-08 flu season brought 30,607 cases to Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, nearly twice the 15,922 cases reported the year before, according to S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Two unexpected strains that were not included in the vaccine tore through the population last year. That does not mean the vaccine is futile against strains other than the three for which it is designed.

"Even if a person gets vaccinated and still catches influenza, vaccination will greatly reduce the chance of complications, such as hospitalization, pneumonia and death," said Dr. Robert Ball, a DHEC epidemiologist.

The vaccine still offers about 50 percent protection against known strains that are not included in the vaccine, and 80 percent protection against those for which it is designed.

State health officials said there should be plenty of flu vaccine this year after ordering 8,000 doses.

Flu season runs from October through March and usually peaks in South Carolina in February. The vaccine works well when given just before or anytime during flu season. The best time to get vaccinated is October or November to be protected through the flu season.

Anyone who wants to reduce their risk of getting the flu should get vaccinated, Ball said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children age 6 months to 18 years get vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus.

Those likely to suffer deadly complications include children between 6 months and 5 years, pregnant women, people 50 and older, people with chronic medical conditions and people in long-term care facilities. Those who work closely with these groups are urged to get vaccinated.

People who should not get vaccinated are those with serious chicken egg allergies or those younger than 6 months.

Some myths that persist about the flu include:

--The flu isn't serious.

Influenza is a serious respiratory disease. Flu is responsible for the deaths of about 36,000 people in the U.S., including about 500 South Carolinians.

--The flu shot causes the flu.

The flu shot cannot cause the flu. Some people get a little soreness or redness where they get the shot. It goes away in a day or two.

--The flu shot does not work.

The flu shot is very effective in preventing most flu illnesses when there is a good match between circulating viruses and those in the vaccine.