Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Important Details About Flu Shots Mobile AL Patients Should Be Aware Of


By Kristen Baird


Mistakenly undermined as non-threatening, influenza infects thousands of Americans every year, landing some of them in the hospital, or in the most serious cases, it can cause death. Young infants, elderly people, and those with impaired immunity are most susceptible to developing serious complications from this potentially fatal viral illness, however with routine seasonal flu shots Mobile AL influenza cases can be greatly reduced.

When someone receives an influenza vaccine, it stimulates the production of antibodies against these viruses. It typically takes about two weeks for this immunity to develop. Influenza viruses are categorized as either "A" or "B" strains, and most vaccines provide protection against a combination of these viruses.

The most common vaccines are classified as either trivalent or quadrivalent. Recipients of a trivalent vaccine are given protection from three strains of flu, HINI and H3N2 which are "A" viruses and also one "B" virus. Those who get a quadrivalent vaccine receive the same protection, along with the addition of one other "B" influenza. There is also a nasal spray version of some vaccines, which can be given to people from 2 to 49 years of age.

The nasal spray vaccine is considered the first choice for healthy children between 2 and 8 years old, but if not available, a regular injection should be administered. Others will receive either a regular vaccine, high-dose vaccine, or intradermal injection. A doctor can recommend which option is best.

Not every type of vaccine can be safely used on patients of all ages, for instance, intradermal shots are only indicated for people between the ages of 18 and 64, and high-dose vaccines are meant for those over 65 years of age. Eggs are used as a base for many vaccines, but some people are allergic to them, so they will need to receive a vaccination prepared using cell cultures instead.

Flu season in the United States typically begins in October and ends in May. It is recommended that everyone who is at least six months of age should receive the immunization each year prior to the start of the season.These vaccines usually become available sometime in August. Distribution continues throughout the autumn months and continues into the peak season which usually occurs around January.

There are many places where one can receive a flu vaccine including the doctor's office, public health clinics, health centers at educational facilities, and sometimes in schools, or at the work place. It is important for everyone of age to get vaccinated each year due to the fact that immunity naturally declines after each shot, and because strains of influenza tend to change over time, altering the inoculations from year to year.

People who have been immunized can still catch the flu, yet when they do, it is likely to be less severe and not last as long. Sometimes there will be side effects after immunization, but these are usually minor and short-lived. Injections may cause some swelling and pain at the site, and a low-grade fever, and nasal spray vaccines can cause a sore throat, runny nose, or headache. This temporary discomfort is a far better alternative than becoming seriously ill from the flu.




About the Author:




No comments:

Post a Comment

Chikungunya Virus Outbreak in the Caribbean

For a very long time, as far back as 1952 since its discovery, there have been reported cases of the Chikungunya disease in continents like ...