Between 30,000 and 125,000 Vermont residents suffer from influenza in an typical year. Alarmingly, influenza immunization rates fall far short every year.
We are all at risk of contracting the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months of age and older receive an influenza vaccination. Annual influenza vaccination is a public health priority; people everyone should talk to their health-care provider about immunization this season.
Influenza is a serious respiratory illness that is easily spread and can lead to severe complications, even death. Each year in the U.S., influenza and its related complications results in approximately 226,000 hospitalizations. Depending on virus severity during the influenza season, deaths can range from 3,000 to a high of about 50,000 people.
We at the American Lung Association urge you to make sure you and your loved ones are vaccinated against influenza this and every year. Additional information about influenza, vaccination and the Faces of Influenza initiative can be found at www.facesofinfluenza.org.
Jeffrey Seyler
President & CEO
American Lung Assoc. of New England
www.lungne.org