Caregivers

Many of your patients are dealing with the challenges of being part of the "sandwich generation." They are raising young children as well as caring for their aging parents.

The Word Is Out. Pass It On.

Caregivers come to you for advice regarding flu prevention and vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have provided the following recommendations¹:

Get Vaccinated
Practice Good Health Habits: Remind your patients that certain good health habits can help prevent the spread of the flu and to routinely follow these steps¹:

Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when you are coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use.¹
Wash hands often with soap and water, and as soon as possible after coughing or sneezing on them (alcohol-based hand cleaners can be used if not in close proximity to water and soap).¹
Keep away from people who are coughing or sneezing, as much as possible.¹
Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth since germs can be spread this way.¹

Recommend immunization against influenza to caregivers.

REFERENCES:

CDC Website. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/. Accessed September 3, 2007.

Important Safety Information

Afluria^® is indicated for active immunization of persons 18 years of age and older against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and type B present in the vaccine. The indication is based on the immune response elicited by Afluria^®; no controlled clinical studies have demonstrated a decrease in influenza disease after vaccination with Afluria^®.

Afluria^® should not be administered to individuals with hypersensitivity to eggs or chicken protein or other components of Afluria^®, or to anyone who has had a life-threatening reaction to previous influenza vaccination. The most common injection-site adverse reactions were tenderness, pain, redness, and swelling. The most common systemic adverse reactions were headache, malaise, and muscle aches.

Vaccination with Afluria^® may not protect all individuals. Immunocompromised persons may have a diminished immune response. If Guillain-Barré syndrome has occurred within 6 weeks of receipt of prior influenza vaccine, the decision to give Afluria^® should be based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.

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