Sunday, January 13, 2013
Does a flu shot cause the flu? Do healthy people need a shot? Here are the answers to some myths.
The Henry Ford Health System, including the Henry Ford Medical Center in St. Clair Shores', has released this fact sheet on the truths and myths of fighting the flu. 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…
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Reports of flu-like symptoms rose from last year at this time, according to the Macomb County Health Department.
This flu season has affected thousands of Macomb County residents, with more reported cases than last year at this time, according to the Macomb County Health Department. There were 1,580 reports of flu-like symptom cases during the second week of December, up from the previous week of 1,211 and 1,069 in the last week of November, according to the department's latest available statistics on Thursday. None of those cases in Macomb County were fatal and they do not specify how many were children or adults. They also do not represent influenza cases unreported by individuals since much of the information comes from schools and hospitals. They do reflect, however, more reported flu-like cases than last year or two years prior at this time. “…
Friday, December 14, 2012
Flu season is here and with at least two new strains already being passed around, here's where you and your family can get this year's vaccine, how to recognize symptoms and what to know about treatment if you get sick.
Flu season usually peaks in January and with at least two new strains of influenza being passed around this year, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention are recommending everyone get a flu shot as soon as possible. Developed for the 2012-13 flu season, the vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses and is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. A person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time and annual vaccination is needed for optimal protection, according to the Macomb County Health Department. The health department is currently offering a seasonal flu vaccine at its Mount Clemens, Warren and St. Clair Shores health centers. The vaccine is $15 and payable with cash or check. Children …
Friday, March 25, 2011
When our children are ill we should not as mothers bear the weight of all the responsibilities alone. As moms we try to “make it better” and “do it all.” Asking for help is hard. Accepting help is even harder!
Well, we managed to make it most of this long winter with nothing more than a sniffle or two. That lucky streak lasted until about a week ago when my middle child came down with the flu and then croup followed right behind it. The croup has taken all of us out! Well, almost all, the family dog “Teddy” is holding his own quite nicely! I love most things about being a mom but taking care of sick children is among my least favorite. There is no worse feeling in the world when your son or daughter feels terrible and he or she looks at you with those sad, sick eyes. “Please mommy, make it go away,” they say. Your heart breaks for your children when they exclaim “I’m done!” As a mom we can not always make it go away. Although we would love to, …
Manuel Laboriante
11:42 pm on Sunday, January 13, 2013
According to http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html, the flu shot must be covered without charge or copayment by all health plans issued after September 2010. If you have such a plan, the cost has already been paid as part of the premium, so you might as well use it. more ›