Flu shots are highly recommended for people living with ALS, their caregivers and anyone who comes in regular contact with a person living with ALS because the flu can lead to serious, life-threatening problems, such as pneumonia. At least 45,000 Americans die each year from influenza and pneumonia. Combined, the two conditions are the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Ninety percent of these deaths are among people 65 and older.

There are a large number of different viruses that can cause a flu-like illness or the common cold. The flu shot provides protection from influenza, but not the many other respiratory virus infections. Some people will still get the flu even though they’ve had the influenza immunization, but it will usually be a milder case.

The influenza immunization is highly recommended because the flu virus may increase the production of thick mucous secretions in the respiratory tract. This creates a problem for people living with ALS who may have an impaired ability to cough productively. A person with a weak cough may have difficulty moving these secretions along and may feel as if he/she is choking.

Viruses can be transmitted in one of two ways: 1) touching respiratory secretions on a person's skin (when shaking hands) or on environmental surfaces (doorknobs or handrails) and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth; or 2) inhaling infectious particles in the air (respiratory secretions from a cough or sneeze).

Hand washing is the best way to avoid contamination with the flu virus, along with not touching the nose, eyes or mouth. Other helpful measures include avoiding close exposure to people with the flu and always sneezing or coughing into a tissue and immediately throwing it away. Caregivers, family members and visiting friends who have an active flu virus may wear a facemask if they have close contact with someone living with ALS, but this may not be sufficient to prevent infection. Washing hands regularly is also recommended. During the winter months, when the influenza virus typically spreads, try to avoid being in crowds; and plan to do holiday shopping early to avoid crowds.

The most important tool for fighting the ever-changing flu virus is immunization. It is strongly recommended that people living with ALS, and other neuromuscular diseases, their caregivers, and anyone who has regular contact with a person with ALS, obtain these immunizations:

• Influenza immunization every year in October or November
• Pneumovax immunization (this should be repeated once after five years)

People allergic to eggs, who have an acute respiratory illness or are pregnant should consult their health care providers about being vaccinated. Be sure to ask the advice of a health care provider before getting a flu shot. Check with your doctor or your local Health Department for availability of the vaccine in your area.

For more information, check the following web sites:

CDC adult immunization schedule for 2007-2008 http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/adult/07-08/adult-schedule.pdf

The American Medical Association (AMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2008 Influenza Vaccination Recommendations Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) July 17, 2008 http://www.preventinfluenza.org/

Immunization action coalition, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, which works to increase immunization rates and prevent disease by creating and distributing educational materials for health professionals and the public that enhance the delivery of safe and effective immunization services. http://www.immunize.org/influenza/

The ALS Association thanks Edward Anthony Oppenheimer, MD, FCCP, Pulmonary Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles and the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of The ALS Association for their contributions to this FYI.

Disclaimer This information has been written by ALS health care professionals and/or copied from various sources, (the Internet, newsletters, articles, etc.).

The information is intended to be general in nature, and is not to be relied upon as medical advice. Before any action is taken relative to your specific situation, you should check with your physician.

The information contained on this web site is protected by copyright and may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authorization of The ALS Association.

© 2008 by The ALS Association