FitSugar

Have You Had Luck Getting a Swine Flu Shot?

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:00:12 -0800

I don't have to read about the shortage of swine flu vaccine, I'm living it. Everywhere I go to get vaccinated it's the same - there are not enough shots to go around. Supplies are extremely limited, and a recent poll conducted by Harvard University School of Public Health says that 70 percent of adults and 66 percent of children who tried to get vaccinated couldn’t.

On Friday the National Center For Immunization and Respiratory Diseases said that the high demand is outweighing the supply, but that more doses would be available in the coming weeks. I've heard this every week and no matter where I go, I leave without getting a shot. I'm starting to get frustrated but I want to protect myself.

Have any of you had better luck than I have?

Shot in the Dark: Flu Vaccine

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:15:00 -0800

Even if you have had your flu shot this year, you need to remain vigilant. This year's flu vaccine is not matched for two of the three strains knocking people down this flu season. Public health officials are also stating that the season has not yet peaked. Yikes!

Your best line of defense is to wash your hands often, especially after being in a public place or if you are taking care of someone with the flu. These strains seems like real doozies and are laying people up with fever around 102ºF for several days. If you do get sick remember that you don't need to starve your fever.

Source

Should Parents Face Jail Time for Not Vaccinating Kids?

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 03:30:00 -0800

After realizing that more than 2,000 students in a Maryland county still didn’t have the vaccinations they were supposed to have before attending class, a judge ordered parents to appear at the courthouse to either get their children vaccinated on the spot or risk up to ten days in jail. They could also provide proof of vaccination or an explanation of why their kids didn’t have them.

Seems rather harsh to me, especially since most of the parents had gotten their kids vaccinated but claim the school lost the records. What do you guys think - should parents face jail time for not vaccinating their children?

Source

Experimental HIV Vaccine Works!

FitSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:30:42 -0700

Every day 7,500 new people worldwide are infected with HIV, and right now 33 million people have the virus. In the year 2007 alone, two million died from from AIDS related disease. These grim statistics are why the news that experimental HIV vaccine has worked in preventing the risk of infection is just amazing. For the past 20 years, scientist have produced many vaccines that failed making this breakthrough huge.

Before your hopes are raised too high, know that the vaccine only decreased risk by about 31 percent, but with this little bit of success, a completely effective HIV vaccine could become reality in the not-too-distant future.

To hear more about the vaccine and how it was tested read more.

This new HIV vaccine actually involves two different vaccines that when tested previously on their own, didn't work. Scientists gave 8,000 18 to 30 year old men and women in Thailand a combination of both vaccines. Another 8,000 were given placebo vaccines. After three years, the rate of infection was a third lower in the group that received the vaccine: 51 of the vaccinated people who were infected, while 74 people who received the placebo were. The vaccine works by introducing an antigen into the body, which triggers the immune system to produce antibodies to protect against infection.

Although the vaccine was only partially effective, this is still seen as a huge step forward in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Scientists still have many more questions. Will the protection last, or will patients need regular booster shots? And will the vaccine prevent HIV regardless of it's transmitted ? Hopefully continued research can answer these questions, and help develop a vaccine that can protect us from this deadly virus.

Measles, mumps, and rubella virus vaccine, live (Mmr vaccine) (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:47:16 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Prevents infection by the measles (rubeola), mumps, and rubella (German measles) viruses. MMR vaccine is usually used in children 12 months of age or older and in adults.

Brand Name(s)

M-M-R II

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

This vaccine should not be given to adults or children who have had an allergic reaction to neomycin, gelatin, MMR vaccine, or the individual measles, rubella, or mumps vaccines. You should not receive this vaccine if you are pregnant. People who have an infection with fever or problems with the immune system should not receive the vaccine. Make sure the doctor knows if your child or you has blood or bone marrow problems (such as cancer).

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. This shot is usually given the upper arm.
Your child should receive a shot at 12 to 15 months of age and a second shot before starting grade school or middle school.
If your child receives a shot before 12 months of age, your child should receive another shot between 12 and 15 months of age and a second shot before starting grade school or middle school.
You may need to receive a shot if you are traveling to another country.

If a dose is missed:

It is important to recieve this vaccine at the proper time. If you must miss a shot, make another appointment as soon as possible.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Immune globulin should not be given at the same time as the MMR vaccine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure the doctor knows if the person receiving this vaccine is pregnant or breastfeeding, or if there is a history of brain injury or seizures. Tell the doctor if your child or you has bleeding problems, HIV, or tuberculosis.
Tell your doctor if you or your child has had a severe allergic reaction to eggs.
Tell your doctor if you or your child has had any blood transfusions or received immune globulin in the past 3 months.
Women who receive this vaccine should wait 3 months before getting pregnant.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
High fever (over 103 degrees F)
Severe or long lasting headache, confusion
Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Fever (less than 103 degrees F), sore throat, mild headache, swelling of neck glands, pain in joints
Mild burning, pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given
Mild joint or muscle pain

Review Date: 8/4/2008

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A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0150

Haemophilus B conjugate vaccine/hepatitis B vaccine recombinant (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:07:38 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Haemophilus B Conjugate Vaccine (hum-OFF-i-lus B KON-joo-gate vak-seen), Hepatitis B Vaccine Recombinant (hep-ah-TY-tiss B vak-seen re-KOM-bin-ant)

Prevents infections caused by hepatitis B virus and Haemophilus influenzae type b virus in babies and young children. This medicine is a vaccine.

Brand Name(s)

Comvax

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Your child should not receive this vaccine if the child has had an allergic reaction to Haemophilus b conjugate vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine, or yeast.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

This medicine is given to your child as a shot into one of the muscles.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give this medicine to your child.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your child's doctor knows if your child is using medicines that weaken the immune system such as steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your child's doctor knows if your child has any illness, cancer, or any bleeding disorder such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
Drowsiness, agitation, or seizures.
Fast heartbeat or fainting.
Fever, chills, coughing, or trouble breathing.
Weakness in your child's arms, legs, or face.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
Unusual high-pitched crying.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Diaper rash.
Mild diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your child's skin where the shot is given.
Red eyes.
Running or stuffy nose.
Sores or white patches in your child's mouth.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5143

Pneumococcal vaccine/diphtheria conjugate vaccine (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:58:20 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Pneumococcal Vaccine, Diphtheria Conjugate (NOO-moe-KOK-al vak-seen dif-THEER-ee-a KON-joo-gate)

Given to babies and young children to prevent infections such as meningitis, pneumonia, and ear and sinus infections.

Brand Name(s)

Prevnar

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

This medicine should not be given to a child who has had an allergic reaction to pneumococcal or diphtheria vaccines.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

An intramuscular (in-tra-MUS-kyoo-ler) or IM injection is a shot given in the muscle of the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks.
A doctor or nurse will give the shot.
This vaccination is usually given as 4 separate shots over several months. Your doctor will tell you the correct number of shots and the schedule to be followed for your child's vaccinations.

If a dose is missed:

It is important to receive all of the shots in this series.
Try to keep all the appointments scheduled with your child's doctor. If you must cancel an appointment, reschedule it as soon as possible.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure the doctor knows if your child is receiving any other medicines before getting this shot.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure the doctor knows if your child has an illness with a fever.
Make sure the doctor knows if your child has any blood-clotting problems or if the child has ever had an allergic reaction to latex rubber.
Patients who have problems with their immune systems, such as those who are getting medicine like prednisone, receiving chemotherapy for cancer, or who have HIV infection or AIDS, may not be fully protected by this vaccine. Because there may be some benefit, your child's doctor may still want to give the vaccine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Fast or irregular heartbeat
Fever over 101° F
Seizures or fainting
Severe loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea
Severe sleepiness or irritability
Skin rash, hives, or itching
Swelling in face, throat, or lips
Wheezing or trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Irritability, restlessness, or fussiness
Loss of appetite with vomiting or diarrhea
Lump or swelling where the shot was given
Pain, tenderness, or redness where the shot was given
Sleepiness

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_1004

Diphtheria/acellular pertussis/tetanus vaccine (DTaP) vaccine (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:58:47 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Protects against infections caused by diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). This vaccine is given only to infants and children 6 weeks to 7 years of age (before the child's 7th birthday).

Brand Name(s)

Tripedia, Daptacel, Infanrix

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Your child should not receive this vaccine if your child has had an allergic reaction to the separate or combined tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis vaccine. This vaccine should not be given to a child who had seizures, mental changes, coma, or any other serious reactions within 7 days after receiving a pertussis vaccine.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your child's exact dose. This vaccine is given as a shot into one of your child's muscles.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give your child this vaccine.
This vaccine is usually given as a series of 5 shots.
Your child may receive other vaccinations at the same time as this one but in different body area. You should receive other information sheets on those vaccinations. Make sure you understand all the information given to you.
Your child may also receive medicines to help prevent or treat some minor side effects of the vaccine.

If a dose is missed:

If this vaccine is part of a series of vaccines, it is important that your child receive all of the shots in this series. Try to keep all scheduled appointments. If your child must miss a shot, make another appointment with the doctor as soon as possible.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if your child has recently received immune globulin. Tell your doctor if your child is receiving a treatment that may weaken the immune system. This may include a steroid drug (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, Medrol®), radiation, or chemotherapy.
Also tell your doctor if your child is using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if your child has been sick or had a fever recently. Tell your doctor about any reaction your child has had after receiving any type of vaccine. This includes fainting, seizure, fever over 105 degrees F, crying that would not stop, or severe redness or swelling where the shot was given. Tell your doctor if your child has had Guillain-Barre syndrome (severe muscle weakness and loss of feeling).
Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has epilepsy or any other nervous system problem. Also tell your doctor if your child has a bleeding disorder (such as hemophilia) or blood-clotting problem.
Some packages that contain this medicine have latex in them. Tell your doctor if your child is allergic to latex rubber.
This vaccine will not treat an active infection. If your child has an infection due to tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis (whooping cough), your child needs a different medicine.
This vaccine may not work as well if there is a problem with your child's immune system. Tell your doctor if your child is receiving treatment that may weaken his immune system. Your doctor might still want to use this vaccine, because there may be some benefit.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your child's face or hands, swelling or tingling in your child's mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Arm or leg swelling.
Bluish-colored skin, lips, or nailbeds.
Crying constantly for 3 hours or more.
Fever of 105 degrees F or higher.
Itching, pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, warmth on skin.
Lightheadedness or fainting.
Seizures.
Severe muscle weakness or pain, loss of feeling.
Severe pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
Severe sleepiness or drowsiness.
Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or passing stools with blood or mucus.
Swollen, painful, or tender lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin.
Unusual bleeding or bruising.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Cough or colds.
Diarrhea.
Ear pain.
Fussiness, irritability, or restlessness.
Loss of appetite.
Low fever.
Mild pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or a lump where the shot was given.
Tiredness.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_1037

Diptheria toxoid adsorbed/pertussis vaccine/tetanus toxoid (Dtp vaccine) (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:47:15 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Protects against infections caused by diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough).

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

DTP vaccine should not be given if your child has had an allergic reaction to it. If your child develops any severe side effects (such as fever of 103 degrees F, constant crying, seizures), future shots should be with DT vaccine only. DTP vaccine is not used in children 7 years of age and older.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

This vaccine is given to all infants and children between 2 months and 7 years of age.
The doctor or nurse will give the shot to your child.
The shot is given in the thigh or shoulder muscle.
Three doses should be given 4 to 8 weeks apart; a fourth dose is given 6 to 12 months after the third dose.
A booster dose should be given at age 4 to 6 years unless your doctor tells you differently.

If a dose is missed:

Try not to miss a dose.
Make another appointment for your child as soon as possible if a dose is missed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

This vaccine should not be given to children with certain medical conditions, such as illnesses with fever or seizures. Make sure your doctor knows if your child has any other medical problem.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Hives or itching
Swelling of face or eyes
Trouble swallowing or breathing
High fever (103 degrees F or more)
Prolonged crying or screaming (for 3 or more hours)
Confusion, headache, irritability
Severe drowsiness that does not get better
Convulsions (seizures)

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Swelling, redness, or a lump where the shot was given
Fever (less than 103 degrees F) occurring with drowsiness, restlessness, vomiting, or swelling of neck glands

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0145

Hepatitis A vaccine, inactivated/hepatitis B vaccine recombinant (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:00:07 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated (hep-a-TYE-tis A vak-seen, in-AK-ti-vay-ted), Hepatitis B Vaccine Recombinant (hep-ah-TY-tiss B vak-seen re-KOM-bin-ant)

Prevents infection with hepatitis A and hepatitis B in adults (18 years old or older).

Brand Name(s)

Twinrix

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to vaccinations for hepatitis A or hepatitis B. You may not be able to receive this vaccine if you are allergic to yeast or neomycin.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
This vaccine is usually given as a series of shots at three different times. If you are following the usual schedule, you will receive the second shot 1 month after the first, and the third shot 6 months later.

If a dose is missed:

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor or health caregiver for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Tell your doctor if you are using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®). Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines that weaken your immune system, such as a steroid or cancer treatment. Some examples of steroids are dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, and Medrol®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have a bleeding disorder or problems with your immune system.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had a serious reaction to latex, thimerosal, or any type of vaccine.
This vaccine will not keep you from getting sick if you have already caught hepatitis A or B. This medicine will not protect you from hepatitis C.
Tell your doctor if you have a cold or the flu, especially if you have a fever. You may need to wait until you are well to receive this vaccine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
Fever, chills, sore throat, or vomiting.
Unusual bleeding or bruising.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Diarrhea or nausea.
Headache.
Mild redness, swelling, pain, bruising, or itching where the shot was given.
Unusual weakness.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_1129