Every year, influenza is responsible for the illness of thousands of people in the United States. In some more serious cases, it results in hospitalization and even death, especially in the very old, very young, or those with compromised immune systems. One of the most effective ways to prevent this is through immunization. When it comes to understanding the importance of flu shots Mobile AL patients will find the following information helpful.
When someone receives an influenza vaccine, it stimulates the production of antibodies against these viruses. It typically takes about two weeks for this immunity to develop. Influenza viruses are categorized as either "A" or "B" strains, and most vaccines provide protection against a combination of these viruses.
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.
Not every type of vaccine can be safely used on patients of all ages, for instance, intradermal shots are only indicated for people between the ages of 18 and 64, and high-dose vaccines are meant for those over 65 years of age. Eggs are used as a base for many vaccines, but some people are allergic to them, so they will need to receive a vaccination prepared using cell cultures instead.
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.
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.
Sometimes a person may still get the flu even after being vaccinated, although it will greatly reduce the severity of the illness. Side effects are noted in some individuals following immunization as well. Those receiving an injection may develop a low-grade fever and soreness at the injection site, and those who are given the nasal spray may experience a runny nose, sore throat, or headache, but these short-lived symptoms are still better than getting very sick with influenza.
When someone receives an influenza vaccine, it stimulates the production of antibodies against these viruses. It typically takes about two weeks for this immunity to develop. Influenza viruses are categorized as either "A" or "B" strains, and most vaccines provide protection against a combination of these viruses.
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.
Not every type of vaccine can be safely used on patients of all ages, for instance, intradermal shots are only indicated for people between the ages of 18 and 64, and high-dose vaccines are meant for those over 65 years of age. Eggs are used as a base for many vaccines, but some people are allergic to them, so they will need to receive a vaccination prepared using cell cultures instead.
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.
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.
Sometimes a person may still get the flu even after being vaccinated, although it will greatly reduce the severity of the illness. Side effects are noted in some individuals following immunization as well. Those receiving an injection may develop a low-grade fever and soreness at the injection site, and those who are given the nasal spray may experience a runny nose, sore throat, or headache, but these short-lived symptoms are still better than getting very sick with influenza.
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