FLU SEASON PREPAREDNESS NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT

(Atlanta) - Emergency preparedness means more than developing a family disaster plan and stocking a disaster supplies kit. As the flu season approaches, it also means preparing to stay healthy in the face of potentially severe seasonal respiratory illnesses.

 "Preparedness covers a lot of ground, and staying healthy needs to be a part of the plan,"  says Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Director Charley English.  "That means getting a flu shot, especially if you are at risk."

Flu season can begin as early as October and continue as late as May. State health officials say that  October or November is the best time to get vaccinated.

"With all the concern about pandemic influenza, many people are overlooking the importance of obtaining regular seasonal flu shots,"  says Dr. J. Patrick O'Neal, medical director for the Georgia Division of Public Health's Office of Emergency Medical Services/Trauma/Emergency Preparedness.  "We need to remember that seasonal flu kills about 36,000 people every year in the United States."

Dr. O'Neal says regular flu shots are recommended for children ranging in age from 6 months to 5 years, and for adults age 50 and above.  People between those ages who have certain chronic diseases or are pregnant also are candidates for flu shots.  Not everyone should get a flu shot, however, and O'Neal says Georgians should check with their doctors or local health departments for guidance.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus.  A "flu shot" is an inactivated vaccine that contains a dead virus that helps to build an immunity in the patient.

Flu-related deaths can also be the result of a secondary bacterial infection, such as bacterial pneumonia, meningitis or a blood infection.  O'Neal says these complications can be prevented with a "pneumovax" shot for individuals who are high risk.  This includes people over 65, the very young, and people with health problems such as heart or lung disease, kidney failure, diabetes, HIV and certain types of cancer.  As with flu shots, O'Neal says people should consult their doctors or local health departments for advice on the pneumovax.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit www.gema.state.ga.us or www.ready.gov.  For information on flu season go online to www.health.state.ga.us.

#####