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.
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.
If available, many physicians prefer to use the nasal spray vaccine for children aged 2 to 8 years old, but if this is not an option, they will be given a regular injection. Patients of other ages may given either an intradermal injection, regular or high-dose vaccine, depending on what the doctor considers most appropriate.
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.
The importance of getting vaccinated against the flu is highly publicized in most communities with clinics being set up in schools, workplaces, and college health centers. People can also choose to get their shots at the doctor's office or at a public health clinic. Annual immunization is necessary as it typically only provides a year's protection, and also because predominant viral strains tend to change over time.
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.
If available, many physicians prefer to use the nasal spray vaccine for children aged 2 to 8 years old, but if this is not an option, they will be given a regular injection. Patients of other ages may given either an intradermal injection, regular or high-dose vaccine, depending on what the doctor considers most appropriate.
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.
The importance of getting vaccinated against the flu is highly publicized in most communities with clinics being set up in schools, workplaces, and college health centers. People can also choose to get their shots at the doctor's office or at a public health clinic. Annual immunization is necessary as it typically only provides a year's protection, and also because predominant viral strains tend to change over time.
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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