Flu vaccine recommended for almost everyone

An annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and  flu-related complications that could lead to hospitalization and even death. Health experts across the country recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine.

Over the years, the number of people recommended for flu vaccination has grown steadily as experts have learned more about who was at highest risk for flu complications or who has played a significant role in spreading flu in the community. Scientists and public health experts have come to recognize that while influenza is particularly dangerous for certain people, it can cause severe illness and even death for anyone, regardless of whether they have high risk conditions. In fact, influenza is among the most common respiratory illnesses in the U.S., infecting millions of people every flu season. However, only 46 percent of people 6 months of age and older were vaccinated during the 2011-12 season.

Every year, flu spreads across the country, and the severity of flu illness can vary from mild to severe. Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu.

"One of the greatest challenges we face from the flu is the uncertainty of the disease," explained Dr. Anne Schuchat, Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Flu viruses are constantly changing. Each flu season, different flu viruses can spread, and they can affect people differently based on their body's ability to fight infection."

Over a period of 32 seasons between 1976 and 2007, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the U.S. range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. And each year it's estimated that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized because of flu-related complications. People with certain long-term health conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, asthma) are at greater risk of experiencing serious health complications as a result of flu. A flu vaccine is the first and best way to prevent influenza and is particularly important in people who are at higher risk of serious flu complications. For a complete list of people at highest risk, see  www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm.

Getting a flu vaccine is more convenient than ever before. Vaccines are available from your doctor or local health department, and at many retail pharmacies. Many employers, schools, colleges, and universities also offer flu vaccines. Moreover, the annual vaccine supply continues to grow, helping to ensure that enough of the vaccine is available for everyone who wishes to be vaccinated. For more information about who should and who should not get vaccinated, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/whoshouldvax.htm.

Be sure to consult with your primary care physician to see whether you should get a flu shot. For more information about the flu vaccine, go online to www.flu.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).

This article is adapted from a news brief issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a recurring depression that affects individuals during the cold winter months and then recedes during the spring and summer.

It is estimated that between 4 and 6 percent of Americans suffer from SAD, with three-quarters of those affected being women, mostly in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Though SAD is most common during these ages, it can also occur in children, adolescents, and the elderly.

The exact cause of SAD is still unknown, but researchers suspect that an increased level of melatonin in the blood could be a factor. Melatonin increases the need and desire to sleep. SAD affects people more during the colder, darker months because the body produces more melatonin during this time. Decreased exposure to sunlight resulting in an increased production of melatonin causes the biological clock that regulates mood, sleep, and hormones to run slower in winter. This is why those most affected by SAD tend to live in northern states --- areas that experience decreased daylight for months at a time.

Symptoms of SAD can vary, depending on the severity of the condition, but generally include ---

• Difficulty concentrating
• Low energy and fatigue
• Decreased interest in daily activities, especially social activities
• Moodiness and irritability
• Increased appetite with weight gain
• Cravings for carbohydrates
• Increased sleep, with more daytime sleepiness
• Loss of interest in sex

In severe cases, your doctor can prescribe medication, but oftentimes self-help tactics can be just as effective.

• Increase the amount of light in your home. Open blinds, add skylights, and trim trees that block sunlight.
• Get outside. Walk outdoors on sunny days, even during winter months.
• Exercise regularly. Physical exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate SAD.
• Find ways to relax.
• Learn how to better manage stress.
• Take a trip. If possible, take winter vacations to sunny, warm destinations.

Did you know ...?

If you frequently suffer from the "winter blues," you are not alone, and it's not just something you have to tough out. Talk with your doctor so you can both work together to find an effective treatment.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional. Content © 2007-2008, 2010 Zywave Inc.

Starting Jan. 1, 2013, Brethren Medical Plan will transition to a fully insured medical plan in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. You will be mailed an updated ID card from BCBSIL before coverage begins. Click here to read more about your coverage through Brethren Medical Plan and BCBSIL. 

Although your provider network won't change --- it's still Blue Cross Blue Shield --- there are a few new benefits that will help you manage your medical insurance, including BlueAccess for Members, the Web portal provided by BCBSIL.

When you receive your BCBSIL insurance card in the mail, you will be able to create a user name and password to connect to BlueAccess. Follow the steps below ---

1. Visit www.bcbsil.com.
2. Click on the Log In button in the upper right corner of the screen.
3. Click on the "Register Now" link that appears below the user name and password boxes.
4. Enter your information, including the group number and member ID that appear on your BCBSIL ID card.
5. You're all set!