Swine flu
The H1N1 flu, or better known as swine flu, is a recent health concern that came to light in April of 2009. The virus that causes swine flu originates from pigs. The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to the ordinary seasonal flu, although the immunization of it at medical clinics differs and must be vaccinated separately from seasonal flu.
Recently, the United States government quickly funded development for a vaccine that is effective in preventing swine flu. It is aimed at people who are most susceptible to contracting swine flu and people who are most likely to be in danger of dying from the disease. These people should seriously consider going to a medical clinic for immunization right away.
Why should you go to a medical clinic for immunization against swine flu?
Vaccination at a medical clinic is the best protection against contracting the flu. There are many different medical clinics set up across the United States that provide immunization, although it must be noted that the H1N1 vaccine is in very short supply. Even if there is a medical clinic that is close to where you live, you may have trouble receiving immunization, especially in highly dense areas.
What are the priority groups of people for immunization who have the highest risk?
The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is a panel made up of medical clinic experts and health experts. The committee has selected several groups that should consider immunization of the H1N1 virus.
Pregnant women: Complications can arise during pregnancy if the mother contracts the H1N1 virus. Also, women who are recently pregnant could benefit from immunization at a medical clinic to help protect their infant child, who cannot be vaccinated.
Household contacts and caregivers: Similar to the reasons above, people who regularly come in contact with small children, especially those six months of age and younger should receive immunization at a medical clinic. It could be very dangerous for children to contract the H1N1 virus.
All people from six months through twenty four years of age: Children pass sickness very quickly to each other when they come in contact with each other at school. If you child is between six months and eighteen years of age, immunization at a medical clinic is highly recommended. Adults who are nineteen through twenty four should also consider visiting a medical clinic.
Persons aged twenty five to sixty four: Only those that meet this age range who have medical conditions that could cause H1N1 to worsen.
What is the difference between the H1N1 vaccine and the regular seasonal flu vaccine?
The 2009 H1N1 vaccine has the same safety profile as seasonal flu vaccines and these vaccines have always had a long history of safety. Over the years, hundreds of millions of people have visited medical clinics to receive immunization of the flu.
What are some of the side effects of receiving the vaccine?
Medical experts believe that any side effects of receiving immunization are very rare. There may be mild reactions, such as soreness, redness, and swelling in the location that the shot is given; fainting; headache; muscle aches; fever; and nausea. These mild side effects can last about one to two days. Severe side effects, although extremely rare, may occur, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling around the eyes, hives, paleness, weakness, fast heart beat, dizziness, behavior changes, and high fever. These reaction may occur hours after receiving the vaccination.