GET YOUR FLU SHOT NOT THE FLU. It's Flu Shot Time Again Fortunately or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, flu season is rapidly approaching. The excessive heat has abated leaving the air crisp and ripe with the promise of upcoming holidays. However, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, there were at least 34 million cases of Influenza in the United States during the 2023-2024 season, with more than 380,000 hospitalizations and over 17,000 deaths at the lower end of estimates. While the number of deaths slightly decreased from 2022-2023, the total number of cases and hospitalizations increased considerably. Levels of Influenza are expected to be roughly the same or higher this year. When there are normal levels of Influenza in the community, people tend to produce some resistance, either naturally through infection or through vaccination. Since vaccination rates have been much lower than normal in the last few years, there is likely to be decreased immunity throughout the country and case numbers are expected to remain elevated. This, in conjunction with decreased contagion precautions, could lead to a very active flu season this year. No one knows for sure, but being vaccinated is the best protection against Influenza. Those with underlying lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asbestos related lung disease (ARD) are more likely to be sicker and have more complications if they do contract Influenza. This is also true for those with other chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, as well as those who may be immunocompromised because of a medical condition or the medications they are taking. Because of the mutating strains of Influenza virus, much like COVID-19 variants, having had Influenza in the past does not always provide immunity later to different strains. There are too many strains to include all of them in the Flu shot, so the strains covered are the ones predicted to be the most prevalent in the coming Flu season. It does not provide 100% coverage, but it does help prevent illness and keep those vaccinated individuals who come down with Influenza from being as ill as they might be otherwise. Although there is no longer a pandemic, COVID-19 is still circulating with periodic peaks and is considered endemic, like Influenza. Also similar to Flu, the virus continues to mutate. As a result, previous vaccines will likely not provide good coverage against the currently circulating forms of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the new COVID-19 booster, which covers the more recently circulating strains, for everyone 6 months and older. Like Flu, there will likely be a new yearly booster for COVID-19 going forward. CARD currently has Influenza vaccines available and patients may call (406) 293-9274 to get their Flu shot. CARD has the regular Influenza vaccine and the one designated for those 65 and over, which adds an additional ingredient to provide increased immune stimulation. You can also check with your primary care provider or local pharmacy regarding Flu and COVID-19 vaccination. CARD Center for Asbestos Related Disease Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application. Testing available locally or from a distance. Screening provided through CDC grant # NU61TS000355. Ongoing care not covered. SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH 196312 GET YOUR FLU SHOT NOT THE FLU . It's Flu Shot Time Again Fortunately or unfortunately depending on how you look at it , flu season is rapidly approaching . The excessive heat has abated leaving the air crisp and ripe with the promise of upcoming holidays . However , according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases , there were at least 34 million cases of Influenza in the United States during the 2023-2024 season , with more than 380,000 hospitalizations and over 17,000 deaths at the lower end of estimates . While the number of deaths slightly decreased from 2022-2023 , the total number of cases and hospitalizations increased considerably . Levels of Influenza are expected to be roughly the same or higher this year . When there are normal levels of Influenza in the community , people tend to produce some resistance , either naturally through infection or through vaccination . Since vaccination rates have been much lower than normal in the last few years , there is likely to be decreased immunity throughout the country and case numbers are expected to remain elevated . This , in conjunction with decreased contagion precautions , could lead to a very active flu season this year . No one knows for sure , but being vaccinated is the best protection against Influenza . Those with underlying lung diseases like asthma , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) , and asbestos related lung disease ( ARD ) are more likely to be sicker and have more complications if they do contract Influenza . This is also true for those with other chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes , as well as those who may be immunocompromised because of a medical condition or the medications they are taking . Because of the mutating strains of Influenza virus , much like COVID - 19 variants , having had Influenza in the past does not always provide immunity later to different strains . There are too many strains to include all of them in the Flu shot , so the strains covered are the ones predicted to be the most prevalent in the coming Flu season . It does not provide 100 % coverage , but it does help prevent illness and keep those vaccinated individuals who come down with Influenza from being as ill as they might be otherwise . Although there is no longer a pandemic , COVID - 19 is still circulating with periodic peaks and is considered endemic , like Influenza . Also similar to Flu , the virus continues to mutate . As a result , previous vaccines will likely not provide good coverage against the currently circulating forms of the virus . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) recommends the new COVID - 19 booster , which covers the more recently circulating strains , for everyone 6 months and older . Like Flu , there will likely be a new yearly booster for COVID - 19 going forward . CARD currently has Influenza vaccines available and patients may call ( 406 ) 293-9274 to get their Flu shot . CARD has the regular Influenza vaccine and the one designated for those 65 and over , which adds an additional ingredient to provide increased immune stimulation . You can also check with your primary care provider or local pharmacy regarding Flu and COVID - 19 vaccination . CARD Center for Asbestos Related Disease Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application . Testing available locally or from a distance . Screening provided through CDC grant # NU61TS000355 . Ongoing care not covered . SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH 196312