Information About Flu Shots Mobile AL Residents Should Know

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.

An inoculation against the influenza virus works by stimulating the production of antibodies that will help destroy the microorganism if it enters the body. Within two weeks of receiving the vaccine, the antibodies will form. Flu viruses are classified as either A or B influenzas, most immunizations protect against a combination of these strains.

There are two main types of flu vaccines available, trivalent and quadrivalent. The former provides protection against three different viruses, usually the "A" viruses H1NI and H3N2, and a B influenza. The latter type affords protection from the same viruses as the trivalent, with the addition of one other B virus. It can be given as a shot, or also as a nasal spray vaccine that is suitable for individuals between the ages of 2 and 49.

Physicians often prefer to use the nasal spray vaccine for healthy children between the ages of 2 and 8, but it this is not possible, a regular injection will be given instead. Other patients will be inoculated with a regular vaccine, high-dose vaccine, or intradermal injection according to what the doctor deems most suitable.

Precautions must be taken to ensure that each patient is given the appropriate vaccine for his or her age. High-dose vaccines are indicated for people over age 65, and intradermal shots are intended for those who are between 18 and 64 only. People with an allergy to eggs, will need an inoculation that is prepared using a cell culture 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.

Vaccinations are widely available in most communities and may be offered in the workplace, at school, at a college health center, and of course at the doctor's office and in public health clinics. Yearly immunization is recommended because people's immunity gradually lessens over time, and also because the strains of flu which are prevalent tend to vary from one year to the next.

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.