Influenza is a virus that is spread through airborne droplets, which are present when coughing, sneezing, and even talking (Adams, 2017). The awesome thing about influenza (i.e. the flu) is that it is fairly easy to prevent. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lists seven ways you can use to protect yourself from the flu. The number one and most important is to get your yearly flu vaccination. Also, prevention includes avoiding close contact with those who are sick; staying home when you are sick; covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing; cleaning your hands with warm water and soap; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and last but not least, practicing generally good health habits (CDC.gov, 2015). Adequate sleep, …show more content…
Common side effects can include redness, swelling, tenderness and aching at the injection site; fainting (mainly in adolescents); aches; mild fever; and nausea (vaccines.gov, 2016). Although many people experience these symptoms after receiving a flu shot there are very few that have major complications. People who are truly allergic may experience difficulty breathing; swelling around the eyes and lips; hives; paleness; weakness; rapid heartbeat; dizziness; changes in their behavior; and high fever (vaccines.gov, 2016). In the event of a serious reaction, which typically happens within a few minutes to hours of injection, you will need to seek emergency medical attention. A safe way to monitor your symptoms would be to stay at the clinic you received your vaccination for a least 15-20 minutes after the injection, especially if it is your first time being vaccinated. By sticking around, you can see how your body is reacting to the vaccine and get immediate support if you do have a severe …show more content…
All you need to do is get your yearly flu shot, stay away from sick people, stay home if you are sick yourself, cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, wash your hands properly and regularly, keep your hands off your face, and live a healthy lifestyle. Even people with severe egg allergies can receive an influenza vaccine safely (CDC, 2016). There are many clinics in the Layton, Utah area that offer influenza vaccinations. The list provided shows the clinic address, phone numbers, hours (if posted), and prices (if posted). Three out of the four clinics on the list do not require health insurance to receive the shot and one even lists the vaccine as free of charge while supplies lasts (see: Intermountain Healthcare ExpressCare clinic for
Seasonal influenza is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the industrialized world. The United States alone averages more than 23,000 influenza-associated deaths annually (Cortes-Penfield, 2014). Everyone is given the option to receive the flu vaccination each year. The vaccine is offered in health care facilities, clinics, and pharmacies around
Over 3 million US cases have occurred per year. The flu is a viral infection that can be deadly if not treated. The flu is extremely contagious, it can spread about six feet away from another person. It may be spread by coughing or sneezing, skin-to-skin contact, saliva, or touching a contaminated surface. Children, elderly people, pregnant women, and people who have chronic disease are at higher risk of becoming ill with this virus. The areas mainly affected are lungs, nose, and chest. Symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat, muscle fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headaches. Some symptoms may appear abruptly. A recommended treatment may primarily deal with the patient getting some rest. Other treatment includes drinking plenty of water; throat Lozenge would be advised for throat pain, decongestant such as Pseudoephedrine for stuffy nose, Dextromethorphan for cough, anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen for mild pain, and antiviral drug like Zanamivir to help treat type B influenza. The best way to be protected is vaccination. The vaccine is offered from September to mid-November. Getting vaccinated before the flu season helps the body develops a strong immunity from the virus. It is safe for a Pregnant woman to receive vaccination. Annual vaccination is recommended. Do not get
The flu shot has been debated upon for years. Is it dangerous or beneficial to one’s health? The shot supposedly has mercury and many other harmful items that most people are not aware of, but other people argue the shot is necessary.
This paper will discuss the communicable disease influenza. It will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments, as well as the demographics of interest. It will also discuss the determinants of health and how these factors contribute to the development of influenza. Included in this paper will be information on host, agent, and environmental factors. Lastly it will explain the role of the community health nurse in caring for those affected with influenza and the role they play in education and prevention.
Usually, vaccinated children get sick after vaccination. This is because the flu virus has entered their bodies and sensitizes it against it. And, what’s more, the flu shot actually causes immunosuppression-weakened immunity.
The first, foremost, and easiest way to start prevention is, having the flu shot be mandatory for everyone. Flu shots are given out at health departments, local pharmacies, and many other local places. This makes it easily accessible for the community. The places are also open different hours to help accommodate as well. A lot of workplaces offer to pay for their employees to get their shot as well. They want their employees to be healthy and do not want them to miss work. Another most important way to prevent the spread of germs is through proper hand hygiene and stopping the spread of germs. It is important to wash your hands frequently and keep your hands away from your face. Health care workers live by rules and regulations on proper standard precautions. Standard precautions are the basic level of infection control that is used as a preventative way to help control the risk of bloodborne and other pathogens being transmitted to other people. Every standard precaution is applied to every patient. Health care workers can see anyone from a something as small as a cut or to as major as motor vehicle accident. Each time they see a new patient, they wash their hands and change gloves. Everything needed to protect themselves from germs, pathogens and anything harmful is at their
To answer my research question I will first review literature on flu vaccines from conventional sources such as the Center for Disease Control and National Institute for Health. I will then review other material available on the Internet written by doctors that do not agree with the conventional
Among the easiest ways to protect yourself from influenza every year is to get a flu vaccine regularly. So many programs exist to make it convenient and inexpensive, and more come out every year, and the consequences can be life-threatening.
The flu is a common viral infection that continues to threaten many people throughout the United States. Everyone should get vaccinated against the viral infection as early as possible to increase their chances of overcoming the infection.
Just like any other injection, there is the possibility of side effects. Most common among vaccines are swelling at injection site, redness, headaches, and sore throats which are temporary. At only less than 1%, 1 out of 1,000,000, do serious side effects happen
Despite information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that flu vaccinations are safe and effective in controlling the spread of seasonal flu, many people still have concerns about potential side effects. To help you understand the great benefits and the minimal risks associated with flu shots, we’ve put together this brief Q&A about the flu and the vaccinations.
Influenza is an infectious illness that can be spread from one individual to the next. It can be transmitted by means of saliva, nasal secretions, feces and blood. It can also be spread by coming in contact with the virus on contaminated surfaces. Influenza is responsible for an average of 36,000 deaths and for more than 226,000 hospitalizations each year in the United States. (Davidson, 2007-2009, Davis, 2007).
Influenza fortunately can be prevented in most cases. You can prevent it through an annual vaccination. The vaccine is made up of 8 to 10 strains of the influenza virus. When you receive the vaccination the strains have been “killed”, so there is no possible way for you to get this illness just by receiving the vaccination. Your body recognizes the unknown strains and builds up immunity so if a “live” virus gets in your system your body has the correct code to “kill” it off.
Each year in the United States, 3000–49,000 influenza associated deaths occur, with over 90% reported among older adults aged 65 years or older. Influenza also results in an estimated 226,000 hospitalizations, with hospitalization rates among older adults increasing over the past 2 decades (Nace et al., 2015). Influenza is a highly transmissible viral illness that may lead to severe complications from underlying diseases, primary viral or secondary bacterial pneumonia and death (NCBI, 2015). Immunization is one of the most powerful and cost effective interventions against
According to Healthy People 2020 a goal of theirs is to “increase immunization rates and reduce preventable infections.” The influenza virus is one of these preventable infections, which can cause serious harm to patients. The influenza virus is known as the “flu.” Everyone in his or her life has had some experience with the flu, whether that is himself or herself or a family member. What if there was a way to ensure people from contracting a strain of the influenza virus? Well, thanks to technology and medical research there is.