Flu Season Tips for Cancer Patients

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Influenza(flu) caused by the influenza virus is a very contagious disease spread from infected persons to the nose and throat of others. It is manifested by fever, sore throat, chills, cough, fatigue, headache and muscle aches. It can lead to pneumonia and can be dangerous for people with heart or lung problems or with weakened immune systems from cancer. Influenza kills about 36,000 people each year in the United States.

Inactivated Influenza Vaccine, given as a shot, has been used in the United States for many years. Influenza viruses are constantly changing. Therefore influenza vaccines are updated every year, and an annual vaccination is recommended. Protection from the virus takes two weeks to develop after the shot and can last up to a year.

Who should get the inactivated influenza vaccine?
People 6 months of age or older can be given the vaccine. It is recommended for:

People with high risk for complication from influenza:

All children 6-23 months of age
People 65 years of age or older
Residents of long-term care facilities housing those with chronic medical conditions
People with certain conditions that can cause breathing problems.
People with weakened immune systems
HIV/AIDS or other diseases affecting the immune system
Long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids
Cancer treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy
People 6 months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment
(may develop Reye's Syndrome if they got influenza)

People with high risk for spreading influenza:

Household contact and out-of-home caretakers of infants 0-23 months of age.
Physicians, nurses, family members, or anyone else in close contact
With people who want to reduce their chance of catching influenza.
The vaccine should be considered for those providing essential community services, living in dormitories or crowded conditions and those traveling to the Southern hemisphere in tropics between April and September.

When should I get influenza vaccine?
The best time is October or November. However, getting the vaccine in December, or even later, can be beneficial in most years. Children under the age of 9 years getting the vaccine for the first time should get two doses, given at least one month apart. You should talk with your doctor before getting the vaccine, especially if you are allergic to eggs, have other allergies, history of Guilan-Barre' Syndrome or are moderately or severely ill. The risk of the vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. Mild problems such as soreness, redness or swelling at the site of the injection or low grade fever or aches can occur soon after the shot is given and last 1-2 days. Should any unusual conditions or reactions occur, contact your doctor.

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