Influenza is a common viral illness which afflicts thousands of Americans each year. Often underestimated, the flu can lead to serious complications in some individuals resulting in hospitalization and unfortunately death in the worst cases. People who have weakened immune systems, the elderly, and infants are the most at risk. Regular immunization of all persons over the age of six months is the best prevention. By understanding the need for flu shots Mobile AL residents will recognize how essential it is to have this done every year.
An inoculation against the influenza virus works by stimulating the production of antibodies that will help destroy the microorganism if it enters the body. Within two weeks of receiving the vaccine, the antibodies will form. Flu viruses are classified as either A or B influenzas, most immunizations protect against a combination of these strains.
There are two main types of flu vaccines available, trivalent and quadrivalent. The former provides protection against three different viruses, usually the "A" viruses H1NI and H3N2, and a B influenza. The latter type affords protection from the same viruses as the trivalent, with the addition of one other B virus. It can be given as a shot, or also as a nasal spray vaccine that is suitable for individuals between the ages of 2 and 49.
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.
Precautions must be taken to ensure that each patient is given the appropriate vaccine for his or her age. High-dose vaccines are indicated for people over age 65, and intradermal shots are intended for those who are between 18 and 64 only. People with an allergy to eggs, will need an inoculation that is prepared using a cell culture instead.
Generally the flu season in the United States starts in October and concludes in May. Healthy people from the age of six months and up are advised to get immunized each year, ideally before the season begins. Manufacturers usually start shipping out vaccines as early as August and continue to distribute them throughout the fall and into the peak flu period, which most often happens in 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.
It is still possible to get the flu after receiving an immunization, however the illness is likely to much milder in nature with less serious implications than it would be without being vaccinated. Some people will experience some minor side effects following vaccination such as a slight fever, and soreness at the injection site, and in the case of the nasal spray vaccine, there may be a headache, sore throat, or runny nose, but these symptoms do not last long and are preferable to becoming very ill with influenza.
An inoculation against the influenza virus works by stimulating the production of antibodies that will help destroy the microorganism if it enters the body. Within two weeks of receiving the vaccine, the antibodies will form. Flu viruses are classified as either A or B influenzas, most immunizations protect against a combination of these strains.
There are two main types of flu vaccines available, trivalent and quadrivalent. The former provides protection against three different viruses, usually the "A" viruses H1NI and H3N2, and a B influenza. The latter type affords protection from the same viruses as the trivalent, with the addition of one other B virus. It can be given as a shot, or also as a nasal spray vaccine that is suitable for individuals between the ages of 2 and 49.
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.
Precautions must be taken to ensure that each patient is given the appropriate vaccine for his or her age. High-dose vaccines are indicated for people over age 65, and intradermal shots are intended for those who are between 18 and 64 only. People with an allergy to eggs, will need an inoculation that is prepared using a cell culture instead.
Generally the flu season in the United States starts in October and concludes in May. Healthy people from the age of six months and up are advised to get immunized each year, ideally before the season begins. Manufacturers usually start shipping out vaccines as early as August and continue to distribute them throughout the fall and into the peak flu period, which most often happens in 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.
It is still possible to get the flu after receiving an immunization, however the illness is likely to much milder in nature with less serious implications than it would be without being vaccinated. Some people will experience some minor side effects following vaccination such as a slight fever, and soreness at the injection site, and in the case of the nasal spray vaccine, there may be a headache, sore throat, or runny nose, but these symptoms do not last long and are preferable to becoming very ill with influenza.
About the Author:
You can visit www.hucmobile.com for more helpful information about Important Details About Flu Shots Mobile AL Patients Should Be Aware Of.
No comments:
Post a Comment