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.
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.
Physicians often prefer to use the nasal spray vaccine for healthy children between the ages of 2 and 8, but it this is not possible, a regular injection will be given instead. Other patients will be inoculated with a regular vaccine, high-dose vaccine, or intradermal injection according to what the doctor deems most suitable.
Certain types of vaccinations are indicated based on the age of the patient. Only those over the age of 65 can be given a high-dose vaccine, while intradermal injections are to be used on people between the ages of 18 and 64. Many vaccinations are prepared with eggs as a base, so those who are allergic to eggs will need an alternative such as vaccines prepared in cell cultures.
October through May is the flu season in the United States, although cases may occur outside of this time period. All people from the age of six months up should get vaccinated before this time, unless directed otherwise by their physician. Vaccine manufacturers normally start shipping vaccinations out in August and continue to do so throughout the fall and into the winter when the greatest number of flu cases occur.
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.
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.
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.
Physicians often prefer to use the nasal spray vaccine for healthy children between the ages of 2 and 8, but it this is not possible, a regular injection will be given instead. Other patients will be inoculated with a regular vaccine, high-dose vaccine, or intradermal injection according to what the doctor deems most suitable.
Certain types of vaccinations are indicated based on the age of the patient. Only those over the age of 65 can be given a high-dose vaccine, while intradermal injections are to be used on people between the ages of 18 and 64. Many vaccinations are prepared with eggs as a base, so those who are allergic to eggs will need an alternative such as vaccines prepared in cell cultures.
October through May is the flu season in the United States, although cases may occur outside of this time period. All people from the age of six months up should get vaccinated before this time, unless directed otherwise by their physician. Vaccine manufacturers normally start shipping vaccinations out in August and continue to do so throughout the fall and into the winter when the greatest number of flu cases occur.
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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