Next week we will be observing National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). What is NIVW you ask? The week will be filled with education and awareness, serving as a reminder that there is still time to get your flu vaccinations!
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccinations are critical for those who are at high risk; “9 out of 10 adults hospitalized with flu have at least one underlying medical condition.” The best way to reduce the risk of the flu, hospitalization, and death is to get vaccinated.
The CDC provides a weekly report of the flu, summarizing respiratory illness statistics by state.* As of November 25th, 2022 many states in the heartland area such as Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas are in the high-very high category for ILI, or Influenza-like illness.
We recently asked our Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) to weigh in on the influenza vaccination as it relates to myasthenia gravis patients. The MAC stated, "Similar to many other vaccines, there is a possible association (not an established causation) with a nerve condition called Guillain-Barre Syndrome. However, the benefits of the flu vaccine by far outweigh its risks. Patients on immunosuppressive therapy for the treatment of their MG should strongly consider taking the flu shot (not the nasal flu vaccine), especially given the rising number of flu cases.”
As always, we encourage you to reach out to your healthcare provider should you have questions or concerns about the influenza vaccination and your health. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay warm!
*This system monitors visits for respiratory illness that includes fever plus a cough or sore throat, also referred to as ILI, not laboratory confirmed influenza and may capture patient visits due to other respiratory pathogens that cause similar symptoms.
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