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.
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.
The most common vaccines are classified as either trivalent or quadrivalent. Recipients of a trivalent vaccine are given protection from three strains of flu, HINI and H3N2 which are "A" viruses and also one "B" virus. Those who get a quadrivalent vaccine receive the same protection, along with the addition of one other "B" influenza. There is also a nasal spray version of some vaccines, which can be given to people from 2 to 49 years of age.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The most common vaccines are classified as either trivalent or quadrivalent. Recipients of a trivalent vaccine are given protection from three strains of flu, HINI and H3N2 which are "A" viruses and also one "B" virus. Those who get a quadrivalent vaccine receive the same protection, along with the addition of one other "B" influenza. There is also a nasal spray version of some vaccines, which can be given to people from 2 to 49 years of age.
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.
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.
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.
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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