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News
Flu News
Thursday, January 28, 2010
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 Don't Let The Flu Get In Your Way
Stay Protected Against the Flu Through the Winter and Spring by Getting Vaccinated Against Seasonal Influenza
Now in its fourth year, the American Lung Association’s Faces of Influenza campaign continues to raise awareness about the seriousness of influenza and the benefits of annual immunization. The Faces of Influenza program and leading health organizations encourage vaccination against seasonal influenza throughout the entire season.
The recent influenza A (H1N1) virus outbreak is a strong reminder that influenza is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. Each year approximately 226,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 die due to seasonal influenza and its related complications. Despite recommendations by national health experts that more than four out of five Americans should be vaccinated against influenza annually, fewer than half actually are.
The personal story of Zack Yaksich, local “face” of influenza in Detroit, serves as a strong reminder that influenza typically peaks in February or March so vaccination throughout the winter months is beneficial and recommended. Tragically, Zack lost his young daughter, Alana to influenza-related complications in February 2003. She had not been vaccinated.
“Parents need to know that it’s so important to get their family vaccinated against influenza every single year,” Zack said. “My family has joined the American Lung Association’s Faces of Influenza program to help send out this important message.”
Influenza is not the common cold. It’s a serious respiratory illness. To help families understand the seriousness of the disease, the Faces of Influenza campaign urges Americans to see themselves as “faces” of influenza and to get vaccinated. Chances are you or someone you know falls within the 250 million people – or more than 4 out of 5 Americans – recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to get vaccinated each year. To learn more about the Faces of Influenza program, and find out if you are a “face” of influenza, visit www.facesofinfluenza.org. Protect yourself and those you love – make sure seasonal influenza vaccination is a commitment you make this and every year. |
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In This Issue...
Don't Let The Flu Get In Your Way
More Links
About The Flu
Myths and Facts
Resources for
Health-Care Providers
News from the CDC
Latest from LungUSA.org
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H1N1 Flu
The circulation of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus is a strong reminder that influenza is a serious disease. With two separate influenza viruses circulating this year, vaccination is an important preventative step in protecting against both strains. Separate vaccinations are required for both seasonal and H1N1 influenza. You can learn more about H1N1, who’s at risk and how to protect your loved ones here.
The American Lung Association’s Faces of Influenza educational initiative is made possible through a collaboration with sanofi pasteur.”
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American Lung Association
1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20004
T: 202 785 3355 | F: 202 452 1805 | E: webmaster@lungusa.org
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