Thursday, January 17, 2013
Does a flu shot cause the flu? Do healthy people need a shot? Peachtree Corners readers here are the answers to some popular myths.
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Thursday, January 17
The flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family. However, misconceptions about vaccination persist. Here are 7 common myths about vaccination. Flu Myth #1 A Flu Shot Causes the Flu No, a flu shot cannot cause flu illness. The influenza viruses contained in a flu shot are inactivated (killed), which means they cannot cause infection. Flu vaccine manufacturers kill the viruses used in the vaccine during the process of making vaccine, and batches of flu vaccine are tested to make sure they are safe. In randomized, blinded studies, where some people get flu shots and others get salt-water shots, the only differences in symptoms was increased soreness in the arm and redness at the injection site among people who got the …
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Georgia is among 29 states along with New York City now reporting high incidents of "influenza-like illness." Experts say everyone should get a flu vaccination.
Twenty-nine states, including Georgia, are now reporting high incidents of influenza-like illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The information is for the week ending Dec. 29. The flu season normally peaks in January and February, still experts say the recent reports are higher than normal. "Reports of influenza-like-illness (ILI) are nearing what have been peak levels during moderately severe seasons,” said Dr. Joe Bresee, Chief of the Epidemiology and Prevention Branch in the CDC’s Influenza Division, in a CDC press release. "Anyone who has not already been vaccinated should do so now." In addition, the CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination and antiviral treatment when appropriate at this time. …
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
It's National Influenza Vaccination Week. Did you get your flu shot yet?
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Wednesday, December 5, 2012
More than one-third of United States residents have already been vaccinated against the influenza virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Monday. With National Influenza Vaccination Week, which started last Sunday and ends Saturday, health officials aim to increase that percentage, especially since this year's season may be a bad one. Influenza—more commonly known as simply "the flu"—is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses infecting the nose, throat and lungs. It spreads via infected people coughing, sneezing or talking, though people can also get infected by touching something with the flu virus on it before touching their mouth, eyes or nose. The 2012-2013 season is shaping up to be one of the worst …
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Health officials report that two new strains of influenza are circulating during the 2012 flu season. Vaccination is recommended for everyone older than six months.
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Thursday, October 4, 2012
OK, so you didn't get sick with the flu last year. Good for you. That was last year! That's the message from both federal and local health officials as this year's influenza season gets underway. Though last year's flu season was the mildest on record, two new strains have appeared this year. According to the Centers for Disease Control, influenza cases are off to a slow start so there is still plenty of time to get a shot. Though young children and the elderly are most at risk, the CDC recommends that everyone six months or older get a flu shot. Walgreens on Peachtree Parkway is among the facilities in Peachtree Corners offering flu vaccinations.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Pneumonia vaccines are also available.
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Thursday, September 15, 2011
Flu and pneumonia vaccines are now available through the Gwinnett County Health Department. The flu shots are available at their centers in Lawrenceville, Buford and Norcross. Vaccinations are also available at locations in Newton and Rockdale counties. The Health Department is offering both the nasal and injectable forms of the flu vaccine to everyone 6 months or older for $25. Residents can pay with cash or credit card (except American Express). Medicaid, Medicare Part B and some private insurance providers will be billed by the Health Department. They're also recommending pneumonia shots for people over the age of 65 or anyone with a chronic illness or weakened immune system. The Health Department says this shot will help protect them …
