American Lung Association Of Indiana Launches Influenza Education Initiative To Encourage Hoosiers To See Themselves Among The 'Faces Of Influenza'

In Indiana, influenza
immunization rates fall far short every year, even though health experts
recommend more than 200 million people should receive an influenza vaccine
annually. On November 27, 2006, national "Influenza Vaccination Week," the
American Lung Association of Indiana (ALA-I) is launching the Faces of
Influenza public awareness initiative to help Hoosiers put a "face" on this
serious illness and recognize influenza immunization as an important
preventive measure to safeguard them and their families ever year.



The program is designed to prevent this serious respiratory illness
that, along with its complications, kills an average of 36,000 people and
hospitalizes 226,000 people in the U.S. every year.



"We are pleased that the American Lung Association of Indiana is
playing such an important role in vaccination awareness," says State Health
Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D. "The best way to avoid the flu is to get a
flu vaccination, which is especially important for people who are at risk
of serious complications from the flu."



"Despite serious health risks associated with influenza, many people,
including people with chronic health problems, young children and those 50
years and older, are not getting immunized," says Dr. Michael Busk,
American Lung Association-Indiana, medical spokesperson, Associate
Professor of Clinical Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and
Occupational Medicine at Indiana University Medical Center. "Two out of
three Americans should be vaccinated every year, which means it's likely
each one of us knows someone whose well-being, good health or life depends
on getting influenza immunization each and every year."



Nancy D. Turner, President and Chief Executive Officer of the ALA-I,
who has asthma -- one of the high-risk groups recommended for annual
influenza immunization -- urges families to see themselves among the "faces
of influenza." Turner encourages people to take influenza seriously and
help prevent it through vaccination.



Faces of Influenza Awareness Activities



The initiative also includes educational materials. The Lung
Association has developed a new Web site, facesofinfluenza
where Hoosiers and health care providers can find more information about
influenza and immunization. The site also features the Lung Association's
Flu Clinic Locator (the largest online directory of public influenza
clinics on the Web). Another helpful website is the Indiana State
Department of Health influenza site at
in/isdh/healthinfo/influenza_index.htm.



About Influenza



Influenza is a serious respiratory illness, that along with its
complications, kills an average of 36,000 Americans and puts approximately
226,000 people in the hospital each year. Adults and children with a
chronic medical condition, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) and diabetes, are at higher risk for complications from
influenza. Persons age 50 and older; pregnant women and children 6 through
59 months of age, as well as household contacts wishing to reduce their
risk for contracting influenza, should also be vaccinated to help prevent
influenza- related complications and the spread of this dangerous virus.



About the Flu Clinic Locator



The Lung Association of Indiana offers its Flu Clinic Locator as a
public service. The Flu Clinic Locator at lungusa is an
online resource for finding influenza shots.



By typing in their 5-digit zip code, site visitors can receive a list
of clinics in their area. Site visitors may also schedule reminders and
sign up to receive seasonal flu news. The Flu Clinic Locator will remain
active as long as public flu clinics are offered.



About the American Lung Association of Indiana



Beginning our second century, the American Lung Association of Indiana
is the leading organization working to prevent lung disease and promote
lung health. Lung disease death rates continue to increase, while other
leading causes of death have declined. The American Lung Association of
Indiana funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung
disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung
Association of Indiana is "Improving life, one breath at a time."



For more information



For more information about the Faces of Influenza educational
initiative, visit facesofinfluenza . For information about
the American Lung Association of Indiana or to support the work it does,
call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or log on to lungin.



The American Lung Association of Indiana's Faces of Influenza
educational initiative is made possible through collaboration with Sanofi
Pasteur, a pharmaceutical company headquartered in France.


American Lung Association of Indiana

facesofinfluenza

Buy Isoniazid Without Prescription