Month: September 2016

Why Should I Consider Getting Vaccinated?

Influenza (the flu) is a viral infection that can lead to hospitalization and even death in severe cases.  Flu season can last anywhere from October to May.  During these months, the flu viruses circulate at especially high levels.  Getting an annual flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from contracting the flu and sharing it with others.

How does the vaccination work?

About two weeks after receiving your flu vaccine, your body will develop antibodies, which provide protection against infection from the viruses present in the vaccine.  Each year, the seasonal flu vaccine is manufactured to specifically protect against those strains of the virus that that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming flu season.

What types of flu vaccines are available?

Generally the flu vaccine can be administered through an injection or a nasal spray.  Unfortunately though, for the 2016-2017 flu season, the CDC does not recommend use of the nasal spray.

Who should receive the flu vaccine?

Anyone over the age of 6 months should receive the flu vaccine each year.  The flu vaccine is especially important for those at a high risk of complications such as children under the age of 5; adults aged 65 and older; pregnant women; and nursing home residents.  Anyone with a chronic disease such as lung or heart disease and/or a weakened immune system should also strongly consider being vaccinated.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t receive the flu vaccine?

Children younger than 6 months, and those with severe, life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine or any ingredients within the vaccine should not receive the flu shot.

When should I get vaccinated?

Ideally, you should get vaccinated by October, before the flu season begins.  If you aren’t able to have it done by then though, getting vaccinated anytime within flu season will still offer some protection.

Where can I get vaccinated?

Generally you can get vaccinated at doctor’s offices, health departments, and community pharmacies, and sometimes through your job’s employee health office.

Why is it important to get the flu vaccine every year?

The strains of virus circulating are constantly changing, so the formulation of the flu virus is frequently updated to provide optimal protection.  Additionally, your body’s immune response from the vaccine declines over time, so it’s important to protect yourself each year.

Is it possible to get the flu even if I get vaccinated?

Unfortunately, the effectiveness of the flu vaccine cannot be guaranteed, so it is possible to get the flu even if you’ve been vaccinated.  But healthcare providers will generally continue to encourage vaccination because even if you do get the flu, your symptoms will likely not be as severe as they would be if you had not gotten vaccinated.

Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?

No, the flu vaccine will not give you the flu.  Some people do experience side effects such as soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site; low-grade fever; and body aches.  While these side effects may mimic flu symptoms, they generally only last a few hours, and are not indicative of an active flu infection.

Osteoporosis is a disease that decreases bone density, leading to an increased risk of fractures or broken bones.  The bones in the hip, spine, and wrist are most commonly affected.

Symptoms.  Generally someone with osteoporosis does not experience any symptoms, and does not know they have the disease until a fracture or broken bone occurs.

Risk Factors.  Common risk factors of osteoporosis include female gender, increased age, Caucasian or Asian ancestry, smaller stature, family history, and deficiencies in estrogen, calcium, and/or vitamin D.  Certain medications such as aluminum-containing antacids, chemotherapy medications, and proton pump inhibitors may also increase your risk.

Diagnosis.  A bone density test is used to measure the strength of your bones.  You should consider requesting a bone density test if you are over the age of 50 and have recently broken a bone; are over the age of 65; have lost height; or have a history of an eating disorder.  If your doctor feels you are at risk of osteoporosis (s)he may recommend that you begin getting a bone density test every 2 years.

Prevention.  The primary means for preventing osteoporosis is to make sure that you are getting a sufficient amount of calcium.  Adults aged 19-50 need 1,000 mg of calcium per day; those over 50 should strive for 1,200 mg daily.  Dairy products and green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and greens are good sources of calcium.    Vitamin D, also important for bone health, can be found in fish like salmon and tuna, milk, cereal, and fruit juices. You can also consider taking a calcium supplement (i.e. OsCal) if you fear you aren’t getting enough calcium in your diet. Avoiding smoking and drinking excessively will also help to decrease your risk.

Fall Prevention.  In addition to increasing your calcium intake, preventing your incidence of falls will also help to reduce your risk of fractures.  Exercise is one of the most important ways to reduce your chances of a fall.  Exercises that help to improve both your balance and coordination, such are tai chi, are especially helpful.  Additionally, you can make your home safer by removing things that you can trip over, using nonslip mats and rugs, and also wearing rubber-soled shoes.

It would also be beneficial to have your doctor or pharmacist review your medications to identify which ones may make you drowsy or lightheaded, as they may impair your coordination.  Lastly, be sure to maintain annual eye exams as poor vision may increase your risk of a fall.