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October 9, 2008
"There's
a flu bug getting passed around..."
.
.
.
Dear Staff:
Being the music fan that I am, the onset of flu season reminds me of a quirky song by a popular jazz swing band. On
one of the group’s more recent albums is a cautionary lyric that might prompt us all to get the annual flu shot:
“There’s a flu bug getting passed around, and it’s spreading like fire through the town. There’s a virus holding up
inside us. Everyone that I know is coming down.”
With that musical admonition in mind, I hope you will take advantage of the FREE influenza vaccination offered at each of our
buildings on specific dates between Oct. 20-30. A minimum of 25 participants are required per site, so - if you've not done so already - please
sign up before the end of
this week. Here are some benefits of the vaccine you should know when considering this opportunity:
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This is an inactivated vaccine, which contains noninfectious viruses. You will not catch the flu from the vaccination.
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The “stomach flu” is NOT the same as influenza. Rather, it is viral gastroenteritis. Influenza is a
respiratory infection that can “knock you off your feet” with its fever, headaches, muscle pains and/or extreme exhaustion.
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The optimal time to receive the influenza vaccine is during October and November.
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The most frequent side effect is mild soreness at the injection site for up to two days. Immediate reactions (likely allergic effects)
are rare and probably result from hypersensitivity to vaccine components, such as egg protein.
My interests are more in math and music, but if I know one thing about medicine it is that vaccinations such as this are a good thing if
they keep me healthy. As a school district, we are equally concerned about your health and the wellbeing of your colleagues and
students. Please consider getting the flu shot to stay well this winter season so you can do what you do best: teaching and supporting our students.
For more information about the flu shot and to register for the vaccination when it comes to your location, please see your
building representative. To hear an excerpt of the song I spoke of, click here.
Stay Well,
Tom
tleonard@cusd220.org
(847) 842-3588
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