Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Does a flu shot cause the flu? Do healthy people need a shot? Here are the answers to some popular myths.
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 …
Thursday, January 17, 2013
A Kaiser Permanente physician said 15 to 20 percent of his day is spent with flu patients.
This flu season is different than previous years because of the sheer volume of people who are getting sick, according to an ambulatory medicine physician. Dr. Richard Ellin, who works at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Offices in nearby Alpharetta, said in the past two or three years, he'd see the occasional flu patient, maybe one or two a week. "This year, we are seeing anywhere from three to six a day and that's just me," Dr. Ellin said. "Fifteen to 20 percent of my day is the flu or complications from the flu. "Another thing is, we are seeing many more people who have got the flu shot who have gotten the flu," he said. "It's prevalent throughout metro Atlanta, and really throughout Georgia, and really pretty much throughout the whole …
Saturday, January 12, 2013
The CDC reported friday that with 7.3 percent of deaths in the United States last week the result of pneumonia and the flu, it has reached epidemic proportions.
Reuters reported Friday that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. It is reportedly "widespread" in all but three states and 7.3 percent of deaths last week were the result of pneumonia and the flu. It reports that 7.2 percent is considered epidemic status with 22 children dead across the U.S. as a result. Nine of the 10 U.S. regions had "elevated" flu activity. The other region, the Southwest and California, had "normal" flu activity last week. This year's flu vaccine is 62 percent effective, scientists reported on Friday in the CDC's weekly publication. Overall in Georgia, activity was considered moderate at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends…
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Here's where to get an influenza vaccine, how to recognize symptoms and what to know about treatment if you get sick.
- LOCAL CONNECTIONS
- Patch Staff
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Thursday, December 13, 2012
Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: Overall in Georgia, activity is considered intense now, while it was considered moderate at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends. Flu Trends is a Google tool that uses aggregated search data to estimate flu activity. If you're considering getting a flu shot, here are some places in the Cumming area that offer the vaccine. You can find more locations here or by typing in your ZIP Code above. According to this week's CDC Flu activity report, influenza levels are on the increase across the country. Five states – Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee – are reporting flu rates not normally seen until January, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The flu season…
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
It's National Influenza Vaccination Week. Did you get your flu shot in Forsyth County yet?
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Patch Staff
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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 …
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Items that you stock in your kitchen pantry can help you fight cold or flu germs naturally.
Cold and flu season is just around the corner; in fact, our recent temperature drop has probably pushed the season up a bit. Unfortunately, there is no medical cure for a common cold or the flu and a visit to the doctor will generally result in a co-pay or doctor’s bill and a prescription for a drug that simply masks the symptoms. The easiest and least expensive way to treat a cold or the flu are the basic folk remedies which have been handed down through generations. Before loading up a basket with expensive over-the-counter remedies like Nyquil or Robitussin, try one of these remedies using items you probably already keep in your pantry. Treat Your Clogged Nose The easiest way to relieve nasal congestion is to take a steamy shower. The …
Liz Kennedy
4:42 pm on Friday, January 18, 2013
Hi John, Glad to help! Liz Kennedy, Editor more ›