Influenza (or the flu) is a condition of the respiratory system, meaning your airways suffer the effects. The flu is an infectious disease spread from one person to another through sneezing, coughing or even talking. It could take up to four days before the symptoms appear after getting the flu virus. This means the people close to you may have been infected before you realize that you have the infection.
The flu symptoms could be moderate to severe. If you get infected, you may suffer a cough, fever, fatigue and aches. Patients above 65, those dealing with preexisting health conditions (including heart disease, asthma or diabetes), young children and pregnant women are rated high risk and more susceptible to the flu and its effects. Annually, thousands of Americans die or are hospitalized because of the flu.
Receiving the flu vaccination is the most effective way to shield yourself from the flu. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) advises that, unless your primary caregiver tells you otherwise, everybody above six months of age should receive the flu shot yearly.
Different types of flu vaccines exist today. The flu vaccine can be prepared with an inactivated virus or no virus, usually called “recombinant” vaccines. The latter only has specific proteins called subunits, found in the influenza virus. The nasal flu vaccine is prepared using live viruses that have been made too dormant to cause infection. This type is called a “live-attenuated” vaccine.
Regardless of the vaccine administered, it teaches your body to develop antibodies to guard your body against the flu by fighting the virus.
Your primary care doctor or other caregivers will be glad to guide you on finding the right vaccine for you.
The flu vaccine is divided into two categories: Trivalent and quadrivalent. The trivalent flu vaccines contain dual strains of the Influenza A virus (H1N1 and H3N2) and a single strain of the Influenza B virus. The quadrivalent variety guard against similar strains but has an extra B virus.
The flu shots are administered through injection into your upper arm. The shots have no live virus, which can be inactivated or recombinant.
The nasal spray is another option. Nasal sprays have weakened influenza virus and usually are quadrivalent. The nasal spray flu vaccination is preferable for healthy people within the ages of 2 and 49.6
Seniors above 65 years have more options. They can choose to get the high dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine. These flu shots are specially made for seniors and, from past research, have proven to be sufficient protection against flu in people above 65 years of age.
The vaccine formulation is modified annually to match the flu virus. The vaccine is more potent when it matches well. Even without a good match, getting vaccinated is still a good choice. If you end up getting an infection despite vaccination, there is a chance the illness will not be as severe as if you had no immunization. Getting vaccination is also important to protect your community from the infection.
Request an appointment here: https://campmedicine.org or call Center for Adult Medicine and Preventive Care at (973) 859-9165 for an appointment in our Passaic office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Internal medicine focuses primarily on the general health of adults. Internists can diagnose, treat, and manage various medical conditions. However, the most effective treatment for any health condition is prevention. Fortunately, internists can provide patients with the education, tools, and resources necessary to keep their bodies healthy and in working order.According to the American College of…
Consistency in medical care is essential for maintaining your overall health and well-being. Medical care from a reliable medical provider ensures that any existing health issues are diagnosed and treated, allowing patients to feel supported throughout their health journey. Establishing a trustworthy relationship with your healthcare providers can positively impact your health.Consistency in medical care…
Having a connection with a primary care provider is paramount for your health. These medical professionals ensure you remain healthy year-round by providing services to prevent many illnesses and conditions. These services do not always mean medications. In fact, the goal of any medical care provider is to keep your body healthy enough to sustain…
Health centers give patients access to quality healthcare to improve physical health and promote wellness. Although wellness may seem abstract, it simply means making healthy choices that put you in a position to enjoy and live life, not just go through the motions. Here are three ways in which visiting a general practitioner at a…
Whether a patient needs a routine physical or sports-related one, an internist has the necessary…
Modern medical providers emphasize the importance of preventive medicine.
Primary care providers play an integral role in your overall well-being.
Here are three ways in which visiting a general practitioner at a health center can…
Knowing why this shot is vital can motivate you to update yours. Here are four…
Learn about the many services you can find at a general practitioner’s office.