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Important Details About Flu Shots Mobile AL Patients Should Be Aware Of

By Kristen Baird


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.

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.

Flu season in the United States typically begins in October and ends in May. It is recommended that everyone who is at least six months of age should receive the immunization each year prior to the start of the season.These vaccines usually become available sometime in August. Distribution continues throughout the autumn months and continues into the peak season which usually occurs around January.

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.

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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