Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The mega dose is intended to produce a stronger immune response in older patients.
The flu has arrived early and with a vengeance in 2013. It is now widespread across most U.S. states, including the Sunshine State. Vaccines are still available, with a high-dose version that may KO chances older patients may succumb to the virus. A high-dose flu shot? If you've never heard of the vaccine, you're not alone. It is only a couple years old but effective in senior citizens, who often are vulnerable to flu's complications, which include pneumonia. The high-dose flu vaccine was developed with patients 65 and older in mind. They can handle the mega-dose of antigens that the vaccine delivers, which is four times the usual amount. That high does should yield a heightened immune response and thus make it much more unlikely the older…
We asked a local expert to address some common perceptions about the flu.
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Wednesday, January 16
Flu season is in high gear. With so many people sick with the flu bug, we decided to address some modern folklore about the vius. St. Joseph's Hospital's infection prevention and control manager Liz Moseley agreed to answer questions about the flu. Patch: Does the flu shot cause the flu? Moseley: The flu shot cannot give you the flu. Common side effects from the flu shot are sore arm, low fever and achiness. The nasal-spray flu vaccine can cause side effects of runny nose, sore throat or cough. If someone does experience any of these side effects, they are mild and don’t last long. Patch: Is the stomach flu a form of the flu? Moseley: The stomach flu is not the same thing as Influenza. Signs and symptoms of flu (Influenza) are fever, …
Thursday, January 10, 2013
This flu season is worse for Floridians than last year, but there are many convenient places that offer shots.
Even the Sunshine State is battling the flu season. The flu is widespread across Florida and the nation, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control. (See CDC Map with this article.) Getting a flu shot is still the best line of defense, according to health experts. The 2012-13 vaccines seem effective in most cases. It's easy to find a clinic, pharmacy or even grocery store in Florida where flu vaccines are offered. Here's a quick look: 1.) Publix supermarkets offer flu shots. The Florida-based grocery store chain also has a "flu shot" locator, where you can enter in your zipcode to find the stores that offer shots in your community or neighborhood. 2.) CVS pharmacies are offering a 20 percent shopping discount to…
Concerned Floridian
3:58 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
What about asking experts who share a different opinion and are not pro-vaccines? They are out there too. This will provide readers with a more balance approach. While the ingredient to the flu shot might be benign, the coumpound surrounded the vaccines are often times malign & could end up being detrimental to one's health. more ›