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.
Immunization introduces a weakened form of the influenza virus into the body, which causes it to produce antibodies against this microorganism. It takes about two weeks from when the inoculation is received for these antibodies to form. Vaccines typically offer protection against both "A" and "B" influenza types.
Most flu vaccines are one of two types, trivalent or quadrivalent. Trivalent shots give protection from three viruses, normally HINI and H3N2 which are "A" viruses, and one "B" type. Quadrivalent offers the same immunity, but with the addition of one other "B" virus. Besides the standard injections, the vaccine may also be administered in the form of a nasal spray which can be given to patients between 2 and 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.
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.
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.
Vaccinations are widely available in most communities and may be offered in the workplace, at school, at a college health center, and of course at the doctor's office and in public health clinics. Yearly immunization is recommended because people's immunity gradually lessens over time, and also because the strains of flu which are prevalent tend to vary from one year to the next.
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.
Immunization introduces a weakened form of the influenza virus into the body, which causes it to produce antibodies against this microorganism. It takes about two weeks from when the inoculation is received for these antibodies to form. Vaccines typically offer protection against both "A" and "B" influenza types.
Most flu vaccines are one of two types, trivalent or quadrivalent. Trivalent shots give protection from three viruses, normally HINI and H3N2 which are "A" viruses, and one "B" type. Quadrivalent offers the same immunity, but with the addition of one other "B" virus. Besides the standard injections, the vaccine may also be administered in the form of a nasal spray which can be given to patients between 2 and 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.
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.
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.
Vaccinations are widely available in most communities and may be offered in the workplace, at school, at a college health center, and of course at the doctor's office and in public health clinics. Yearly immunization is recommended because people's immunity gradually lessens over time, and also because the strains of flu which are prevalent tend to vary from one year to the next.
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.
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