Flu Season Support
Coronavirus: Information and Resources
The CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in 60 locations internationally, including in the United States. The following resources provide information about the virus, how it spreads, symptoms, prevention/treatment and more. We recommend reviewing these materials to expand your knowledge about the coronavirus. Please be aware MDA is not a medical facility and cannot provide medical treatment of any kind. If you or your family have questions about your diagnosis and the coronavirus, please contact your medical professional.
Children and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases that limit muscle strength and mobility are at increased risk of serious and possibly life-threatening complications from the flu, so it's important that everyone stays informed and takes steps to protect themselves and their families. To get started, we've gathered the following information, recommended guidelines and resources to help keep you informed.
A Message from the Muscular Dystrophy Association
Influenza can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening illness for those affected by muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases that limit muscle strength and mobility. That's why it's so important to be proactive and take the necessary precautions to stay healthy. To help you get started, we have provided the following information and resources.
Vaccine options this season include:
Also, if you've avoided seasonal influenza vaccines in the past because of an egg allergy, be sure to speak with your physician about updated recommendations.
Of course, it's important to check with your doctor before obtaining any vaccine, especially if you're affected by myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, or if you're taking immune-suppressing medications such as corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, deflazacort, prednisolone).
If your physician recommends an influenza vaccine, it's best to receive it before flu activity begins. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop an immune response that is sufficient to provide protection. The CDC recommends receiving a flu vaccine by the end of October, but obtaining a vaccination later still can be beneficial.
Many health professionals accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare, for payment toward flu vaccinations. Flu vaccines are available through physicians’ offices, state and county health departments, college health centers and many retail pharmacies.
There are other ways to help protect yourself and your loved ones from getting the flu. We invite you to explore the information on this page to learn more about influenza, flu prevention, and the flu vaccine. We cannot keep flu season from coming, but there is a lot we can do to prepare and help protect you and your family from its implications.
Flu Season Tips
In addition to receiving a flu vaccine, here are some ways you can protect yourself and those you love from exposure to influenza:
- Educate family members and roommates about the heightened risk of influenza for individuals with neuromuscular diseases, and the importance of staying away from others who are experiencing flulike symptoms.
- Promote good hand hygiene among everyone in your home, which means washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice), especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60 percent alcohol also are effective.
- Encourage everyone in your home to practice respiratory etiquette by covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or with your arm. Dispose of tissues in a waste receptacle after use.
- Among your roommates and/or immediate family members, stress the importance of not sharing utensils and drinking cups, and encourage everyone to avoid touching their faces, especially after handling shared items such as telephones or remote controls.
- Educate yourself about symptoms of the flu — fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting also may be experienced.
- Contact your physician as soon as possible if you develop flu like symptoms.
- Visit the CDC’s website for additional tips and recommendations.
Influenza Resources from the CDC
Influenza Resources from the CDC
