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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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