How do find a doctor that's right for you
How do you find a doctor that is right for you? It can often get quite difficult to get a good doctor that you could rely on. Especially when you’ve never had a primary care physician.
So here are some ways for you to find the right doctor for you.
Compile a list of all available doctors in your region.
This list can be easily generated by doing a quick online search, either by Google, or going to websites that show all doctors in your region.
Narrow your choices down.
Once you have a good list going, it’s time to narrow your choices down. Look for signs that certain doctors are better choices. Check out these following details:
- Hospital affiliation (s)
- Office location(s)
- Educational history
- Specialties
- Languages spoken
- Years in practice
- Gender
- Kinds of insurance accepted
- Review CV if available (likely available on affiliated hospital sites).
- Check out patient testimonials (take them with a grain of salt in case they are skewed by disgruntled patients).
- Make sure they are accepting new patients.
Do an internet "background check" of your best choices.
- Confirm their certification as approrpiate.
- Check for any negative reports at their home country's licensing websit
- Google their social media and see if you can find out anything about them through those channels.
Make an appointment.
Consider the following qualities in a good doctor appointment:
- The quality of the team: courteousness of scheduling staff, professionalism of nurses, PA's, techs, etc..
- Facilities: Is it comfortable and relaxing there?
- Do they have good communication? Are they efficient and prompt?
Be prepared.
When you’re first visiting the doctor, it’s good to do some homework yourself ahead of time.
- Bring your list of medications.
- Bring a list of your surgical and medical history/conditions.
- Bring a list of your allergies.
- Bring contact information for another physicians/providers.
- Bring your insurance details.
Ask the doctor the right questions.
It’s a two-way street, finding out if a doctor is good for you or not. So make sure to ask the right kind of questions.
- Just how many procedures (like the one I'll want ) have you done before?
- Which will be the risks/benefits of the Process? Alternatives?
- What should I read to learn more about this?
- If unsure of identification: What else would it be?
- Are there other medicines which are not as costly that we could substitute?
Go with your gut.
When in doubt, always trust your feelings. You have to be comfortable with the doctor if you’re foreseeing a long-term relationship with the physician. Ask yourself things like:
- Did the doctor explain everything clearly?
- Did the doctor appear to care for you?
- Do you trust your doctor to be thorough with follow up?
- Would you enjoy your physician?
Get another opinion.
In the end, you just might not be sure. That’s not a problem.
- If the doctor didn't fulfil your expectations in any substantial way, find a different one.
- If you really want to be sure about the doctor, get another opinion from one of his/her peers, or if you can’t get that, people that have been the doctor’s patient, or is currently a patient.
What is in a flu shot?
What is in a flu shot? People get worried about what’s in a flu vaccine, but many studies over the years have shown that flu vaccines are safe. It is by far the best way to avoid having the flu and spreading it to other men and women. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, which means that the flu vaccine is updated each year.
However, these are the components that commonly comprise flu vaccines.
Influenza viruses
The flu vaccine includes tiny amounts of the viruses it protects from. The presence of the viruses from the vaccine triggers the body's natural defence mechanism to produce antibodies to fight them. This means that the body quickly recognizes them when actually invaded by the virus.
Formaldehyde
Admittedly, formaldehyde is toxic and potentially deadly in high doses. But, it is present in such tiny amounts in an influenza vaccination that it is completely benign.
Formaldehyde's function in the flu shot is to inactivate toxins out of viruses and bacteria that may contaminate the vaccine through creation, in addition to the viruses naturally present in the vaccine.
Formaldehyde is typically present in the human body also, and is a product of healthy digestive function.
Aluminum Salts
Aluminum has been used in vaccines for over 70 years. Aluminum salts are adjuvants, meaning they assist the body to come up with a stronger immune response against the virus in the vaccine. Because they improve the body's response, this usually means that the vaccine can contain smaller amounts of the virus.
Comparable to formaldehyde, and to many ingredients in the flu shot, the quantity of aluminum within the vaccine is extremely tiny.
This chemical isn't necessarily present in flu vaccines though. There are a few of which are aluminum-free.
Thimerosal
Thimerosal is not found in all flu vaccines. To describe exactly, thimerosal is a preservative that retains the vaccine free of contamination by fungi and bacteria. Without this, the growth of bacteria and fungi is common when a syringe has a multi-dose vial (a vial that contains over one dose).
Thimerosal is made from a natural form of mercury called ethylmercury, a secure compound that usually only remains in the bloodstream for a couple of days.
It is different from the typical mercury which can cause disease in massive doses, and from the type found in fish (known as methylmercury), which can remain in the body for years.
Flu shots will only include thimerosal when they're in a multi-dose vial. Single-dose vials, pre-filled syringes, and sinus sprays do not need to incorporate this preservative since contamination is not a problem.
Chicken egg proteins
Proteins from chicken eggs help viruses to grow until they move into the vaccine.
Influenza viruses used in vaccines are usually grown inside fertilized chicken eggs, where the virus creates copies of itself. Following that, the germs are separated out of the egg and placed in the vaccine; this usually means that the final vaccine may contain small quantities of egg proteins.
It is also usually safe for people with egg allergies, but those who have an egg allergy must mention it to the doctor before receiving the shot. Someone with a severe egg allergy might require monitoring by a physician after the injection.
Of course, egg-free flu shots are also available.
Gelatin
Gelatin is used in the flu shot as a stabilizer. Stabilizers keep the vaccine effective from manufacturing until it is used..
Stabilizers also help to protect the vaccine from the harmful effects of heat or freeze-drying. Most influenza vaccines use pork-based gelatin as a stabilizer.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are present in the flu vaccine to help keep bacteria from growing during the manufacturing and storage of the vaccine.
Vaccines do not include antibiotics that might lead to severe reactions, such as penicillin. Instead, vaccines include other forms of antibiotics, such as gentamicin or neomycin. Neomycin is also an ingredient in many topical medicines, like lotions, lotions, and eye drops.
All in all, the above are the common ingredients in a vaccine. As we’ve stated, these ingredients are very much benign, and though some may be harmful in large doses, those ingredients in very very tiny amounts that they don’t pose any threat at all. However, it is always a good idea to consult your physician if you feel that you could have any allergic reactions or concerns.
What is an ophthalmologist, and what does an ophthalmologist do?
It is very important to keep our eyes healthy, as they can come under various conditions that threaten our vision, and more. That’s where an ophthalmologist comes in.
What is an ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist is a doctor of medicine who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ailments of the eye, besides diagnosing systemic diseases that manifest in eye signs or symptoms.
Since ophthalmologists perform operations on eyes, they are considered to be both surgical and medical specialists.
In fact, the single health professional trained both medically and surgically to treat eye conditions -- such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma -- is an ophthalmologist.
What does an ophthalmologist do?
Historically, the practice of ophthalmology has encompassed all aspects of visual function in health and disease, such as refraction, orthoptics, binocular vision and strabismus. Medical and surgical treatment of disorder between the visual system and comprehension of ocular manifestations of systemic illness are also an essential component of the practice of ophthalmology.
Ophthalmologists offer a thorough approach to ocular symptoms and disease. They are mostly concerned with correcting imperfections and treating ailments of the eye that cause diminished or lack of eyesight. They assess the state of the patient's eye, diagnose any abnormalities found, intervene to preserve the sense of sight, and evaluate if the condition has improved.
An ophthalmologist may also conduct eye surgeries such as cataract extraction, lens replacement, cornea reshaping, transplants, retinal detachment repair, and glaucoma treatment. Most of these procedures are usually performed with the aid of lasers and computerized surgical tools, but the majority are still done by hand.
In addition to diagnosing and treating celiac disease by medical or surgical means, ophthalmologists offer comprehensive ocular-visual assessment, which may include the prescription of corrective lenses.
Ophthalmologists may also operate on animals, since the eye's anatomy and physiology have few differences among closely related species. But a veterinary eye physician is often considered a different specialist with separate licensing and regulation. Generally, ophthalmologists are supposed to be wholly dedicated to the treatment and study of the human eye, but some may find veterinary ophthalmology practice to be a more attractive area.
When to see an ophthalmologist
See an ophthalmologist as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Reduction of vision or diminished vision in one or both eyes
- Changes in vision such as sudden areas, flashes of light, lightning streaks or jagged lines of light, wavy or watery vision, fuzzy faces, distortions or wavy lines, haloes around lights, double vision
- Changes in the Area of vision such as shadows, curtain-like lack of vision, black spots or blurriness in central or peripheral (side) vision
- Physical changes to the eye such as crossed eyes, eyes that turn out, up or down, pain, signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge, etc.. )
- Changes in color vision
What is a gynecologist? Introduction to what a gynecologist does.
What is a gynecologist?
A gynecologist is a physician that specializes in the female reproductive system, which includes the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina and vulva. Menstrual problems, contraception, sexuality, menopause and infertility problems are diagnosed and treated by a gynecologist; most gynecologists also provide medical care, and some provide primary care.
What does a gynecologist do?
Many women begin visiting a gynecologist from their early teens and continue to attend a clinic for overall health issues as well. Women are advised to pay a visit to a gynecologist yearly for a checkup, and any time that they have symptoms that concern them.
When you visit a gynecologist for a regular screening, these are what your gynecologist may do.
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- Screening, analysis and advice
- immunizations according to age and risk factors
- a physical examination, which will include measuring standard vital signs, body mass Indicator, palpating the abdomen and inguinal lymph nodes, and assessing general health
- a rectal exam and a breast examination, as appropriate for the patient's age
Here are some procedures that a gynecologist will do.
Diagnostic Activities:
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- Pap smear tests
- ultrasound scanning
- colposcopy, a microscopic examination of the cervix
- endometrial biopsy, or taking a sample from the lining of the uterus
- hysteroscopy, Using an endoscope to see into the uterus
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Surgical tasks:
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- Preparing patients for surgery
- laparoscopy, a keyhole abdominal process. For both diagnostic and surgical functions
- minor surgery, such as sterilization
- major operation, such as removing fibroids from the uterus
- postoperative care, such as treating complications
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When to see a gynecologist?
A visit to the gynecologist is recommended for annual screening and any time a girl has concerns about symptoms such as pelvic, vulvar, and vaginal pain or abnormal bleeding from the uterus.
Conditions commonly treated by gynecologists are:
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- Problems relating to pregnancy, fertility, menstruation, and menopause
- family planning, including contraception, sterilization, and pregnancy termination
- problems with tissues that support the pelvic organs, such as ligaments and muscles
- STIs
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- prostate and esophageal incontinence
- benign conditions of the reproductive tract, for example, ovarian cysts, fibroids, breast diseases, vulvar and vaginal ulcers, as well as other adrenal changes
- premalignant conditions, such as endometrial hyperplasia, and cervical dysplasia
- cancers of the reproductive tract and the breasts, and pregnancy-related tumors
- congenital abnormalities of the female reproductive tract
- emergency concerning gynecology
- Infection , a chronic condition that affects the reproductive system
- pelvic inflammatory ailments, such as abscesses
- sexuality, including health issues relating to esophageal and bisexual connections
- sexual dysfunction
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Tips on seeing a gynecologist
A visit to the gynecologist, especially if it’s the first time for a young woman, could be pretty confusing in terms of what to expect. Here are some tips to help that.
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- An honest account of your health issues and lifestyle provides the gynecologist a much better idea of your position and enables them to help you more.
- A gynecological examination, including a pap smear, could be embarrassing, but it isn't usually painful.
- It's not necessary to shave or wax before the trip.
- Bodily odor is natural. If it indicates a issue, the gynecologist needs to know.
- When you have a period once the appointment is scheduled, you can still go ahead with the visit, but it can be better to postpone, unless you have symptoms that need urgent attention.
- It's better to avoid having sexual intercourse, using a vaginal douche, or using tampons for two days before a gynecological examination.
- Have someone with you. A patient may request to have someone with them at the trip, either in the room or outside the door.
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Ophthalmologist vs optometrist. What is the difference
What is an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in vision and eye care. Ophthalmologists are trained to do eye examinations , diagnose and cure disease, prescribe drugs and perform eye surgery. In addition they write prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses.
What is an optometrist?
An optometrist is a eye doctor who has earned the Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Optometrists examine eyes to both vision and health problems, and correct refractive errors by prescribing glasses and contact lenses. Some optometrists also provide low vision care and vision treatment .
The biggest difference between the two is that an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor that specializes in the eye, and an optometrist is an eye doctor.
If your eyes are healthy and do not need specialized medical or surgical procedures, the type of eye doctor that you choose for a routine eye examination is a question of personal preference.
Optometrists and ophthalmologists both execute routine eye examinations and both kinds of eye doctors are trained to detect, diagnose and manage eye diseases that require medical and anti inflammatory therapy.
When should you see an ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologists are trained to provide the full range of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to performing complex and delicate eye surgery. They might also be involved in research about eye diseases and remedies. Some ophthalmologists will get additional fellowship training in a subspecialty field of ophthalmology, including retina, cornea, glaucoma, pediatrics, oculoplastics, refractive surgery, uveitis, pathology, or neuro-ophthalmology.
When should you see an optometrist?
Optometrists can perform an eye examination and can ascertain the existence of vision-related problems. They can also prescribe glasses and contact lenses. Based on the condition in which they practice, optometrists may be allowed to treat eye diseases and prescribe eye drops for various conditions, but they are not trained or licensed to perform surgery on the eye.
Seeing both an ophthalmologist and an optometrist
In many cases, care for a particular eye problem might be provided by an optometrist and an ophthalmologist working together. This arrangement is known as co-management.
In co-management, your primary care doctor (usually an optometrist) refers you to a specialist (usually an ophthalmologist) for a definitive diagnosis and treatment strategy. The ophthalmologist might opt to manage the problem medically, perform eye surgery, or even both. After the status is controlled or properly treated, the expert then sends you straight back to your primary care eye doctor, who proceeds to monitor and treat your condition or carry out post-operative care dependent on the specialist's recommendations.
Co-management is an especially good solution if you're quite happy with the standard of care you are receiving from your primary care doctor, but you desire to have any specific medical eye conditions treated by an experienced specialist.
What is a urologist? And what does a urologist do?
Urology is an old practice of medicine, even going back to the time of the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, when doctors frequently examined pee's colour, odor, and texture. They also looked for bubbles, blood, and other indications of disease.
Today, urology is a complex area of medicine that has come very far. Here's a look at what urologists do and when you should consider seeing one.
What is a urologist?
Urologists diagnose and cure ailments of the urinary tract in both men and women. They also diagnose and treat anything involving the reproductive tract in men.
In some cases, they may perform operation. For instance, they may remove cancer or open a blockage in the urinary tract. Urologists operate in many different settings, such as hospitals, private practices, and urology facilities.
The urinary tract is the system which creates, stores, and eliminates urine in the body. Urologists can treat any component of the system. This includes the:
Urologists also treat all portions of the male reproductive system. This system Consists of the:
Manhood, which is the organ that releases urine and carries sperm from the entire body
prostate, that's the gland underneath the bladder that adds fluid to sperm to produce semen
testicles, which are the two oval organs inside the scrotum that make the hormone testosterone and create sperm
What is urology?
Urology is the field of medicine that focuses on diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive tract. Some urologists treat general ailments of the urinary tract. Others specialize in a particular kind of urology, such as:
- Female urology, which focuses on circumstances of a female's reproductive and reproductive tract
- male infertility, which focuses on issues that prevent a person from conceiving a baby with his partner
- neurourology, which focuses on urinary problems because of ailments of the nervous system
- pediatric urology, which concentrates on urinary difficulties in kids
- urologic oncology, which concentrates on cancers of the reproductive system, including the bladder, kidneys, prostate, and testicles
Which conditions do urologists deal with?
Urologists treat a huge variety of conditions.
In males:
- Cancers of the liver, kidneys, penis, testicles, and adrenal and prostate gland
- prostate gland enlargement
- erectile dysfunction, or trouble getting or maintaining an erection
- infertility
- interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome
- kidney ailments
- kidney stones
- prostatitis, which is inflammation of the prostate gland
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- varicoceles, or enlarged veins in the scrotum
In females:
- Bladder prolapse, or the falling of the bladder into the vagina
- cancers of the bladder, kidneys, and adrenal glands
- interstitial cystitis
- kidney stones
- overactive bladder
- UTIs
- urinary incontinence
In children:
- Bed-wetting
- blockages and other problems with the urinary tract structure
- undescended testicles
Procedures urologists do
When You See a urologist, they will start by performing one or more of these tests to learn more about your condition.
- A cystogram, which involves taking X-ray pictures of your bladder.
- A cystoscopy. This entails having a thin range called a cystoscope to see the interior of your urethra and bladder.
- A post-void residual urine test to discover how quickly urine leaves your entire body during urination.
- Take a urine sample to check your urine for bacteria that cause infections.
- Urodynamic testing to assess the pressure and volume inside your bladder.
Urologists are also trained to perform unique types of operation. This may include performing:
- Biopsies of the bladder, kidneys, or prostate
- a cystectomy, which involves removing the bladder, to deal with cancer
- extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, which entails breaking up kidney stones so that they could remove them easily
- a kidney transplant, which involves replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy one
- a procedure to open a congestion
- a repair of damage due to injury
- a fix of urinary organs which aren't well-formed
- a prostatectomy, which involves removing part or all of the prostate gland to treat prostate cancer
- a procedure, which involves using strips of mesh to support the urethra and keep it shut to deal with urinary incontinence
- a transurethral resection of the prostate gland, which entails removing excess tissue from a enlarged prostate
- that a transurethral needle ablation of the prostate gland, which involves removing excess tissue from an enlarged prostate
- a ureteroscopy, which entails using a range to remove stones from the kidneys and ureter
- a vasectomy to prevent pregnancy, which involves cutting and tying the vas deferens, or the tube sperm journey to produce semen
When to see a urologist
Your primary care physician can treat you for moderate conditions, like a UTI. Your physician may refer you to a urologist if your symptoms do not improve or in case you've got a condition that requires treatments they cannot supply.
The following are some of the symptoms that may require seeing a urologist.
- Blood in your urine
- a frequent or urgent need to urinate
- pain in your lower spine, pelvis, or sides
- pain or burning during urination
- difficulty urinating
- urine leakage
- weak urine flow, dribbling
You should also see a urologist if you are a male and you're experiencing these signs:
- Decreased sexual appetite
- a lump in the testicle
- trouble getting or keeping an erection
What is the Flu?
What is the flu or Influenza? As flu season arrives again, it’s probably good to know what this nasty little bug actually is.
Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory disease brought on by a virus. Flu is highly infectious and is normally spread by the coughs and sneezes of an infected individual. You could also catch flu by touching an infected individual, for example, shaking hands. This means that you can spread the influenza virus before you know you are infected.
It typically goes around from the autumn through spring months. There are numerous types, depending on the type of protein that the virus carries. Here are the most common:
Influenza A: One type of seasonal influenza occurring in birds and some mammals.
Influenza B: The other type of seasonal flu that occurs mostly in mammals and seals.
Influenza C: Much milder type of seasonal influenza which may produce local epidemics.
Avian Flu: Spreads from birds to people in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Swine Flu: Known as H1N1, it spreads from pigs to people.
The flu doesn't typically have long-term consequences in most people, and often resolves on its own. However, in rare situations, it can be fatal and causes 10,000 to 50,000 deaths a year. For that reason, it is important to stop it from spreading as far as possible.
Common symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Malaise
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dry cough
- Less common symptoms of the flu (and more frequent at the common cold) are:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
Usually, symptoms persist for approximately 1 week. On the other hand, the sensation of fatigue and gloom can persist for many weeks.
It's worth noting that not every single individual who has influenza is going to have all the symptoms; for example, it's likely to get flu without fever.
Treatment
The best way to treat the flu is to not get it, via getting vaccinated. However, even with vaccination, you may end up catching the flu.
As flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics cannot help, unless the flu has led to a different illness caused by bacteria. Antivirals may be prescribed in some circumstances.
Painkillers can relieve some of the symptoms, such as headache and body pains. Numerous painkillers are available to buy online. It is very important to compare different products, and only take them under the advice of a health professional.
People with the flu should:
- Remain at home
- Avoid contact with others where possible
- keep warm and rest
- consume plenty of fluids
- avoid alcohol
- stop smoking
- Eat if able
Flu shots Fact vs Fiction
Flu shots are a must during flu season. But unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation with flu shots. Not sure about whether you should get flu shots? Here are some facts vs fiction.
Fiction: The flu shot can give you the flu.
Fact: It is not possible to get the flu from a flu shot.
The majority of individuals don't have any negative effects from a flu shots, and when they do occur, they are typically quite mild. Although soreness, redness, tenderness, or swelling is common in which the flu shot is given, the flu shot can't cause you to catch the flu. This is because influenza vaccines are made out of viruses that are inactivated or weakened, and recombinant influenza vaccines don't have any virus at all.
When people report getting the flu after getting vaccinated, it's very likely that they were already sick or were exposed to the flu virus throughout the 2-week interval it takes for immunity to settle in. Another explanation is that some rhinoviruses, which are connected with the common cold, cause symptoms similar to the flu and may be wrongly understood as the flu.
Fiction: It is fine to skip the flu shot if you have gotten vaccinated in years before.
Fact: You need a flu shot every year.
Unlike the polio and chickenpox vaccines, protection via the flu shot declines over time, so an annual vaccination is required to get the best defense against the flu. Even though you might have some protection if you got the flu vaccine this past year, the surest way is to get it every year. Strains of influenza are diverse and may undergo changes, so it is important to get the most updated flu shots.
Fiction: Flu season has started, so it is too late for the flu shot.
Fact: It's not too late to find a flu vaccine until flu season is over.
So long as the flu is going around, vaccinations can still be beneficial, even in January or after because influenza activity can start as early as September and continue as late as May. This usually means you have loads of opportunity to come in contact with the flu.
Fiction: Pregnant women shouldn’t get the flu shot.
Fact: Pregnant women should get the flu shot.
Because of the changes in the body during pregnancy, pregnant women, and individuals who recently gave birth, are more likely to undergo acute illness, hospitalization, and even death from the flu.
It also protects both the mother and the child. Flu antibodies are passed to the fetus during pregnancy and provide protection after birth, at a time when the child is too young to be vaccinated. Therefore, any woman who is pregnant or considering pregnancy during the flu season ought to be vaccinated.
Fiction: If you're young and fit, you do not need a flu shot.
Fact: It is important to get the flu shot for everybody older than 6 weeks.
The flu is a severe viral illness that could make anyone seriously ill, even healthy people. For those older than 65 or younger than 2, and individuals with chronic diseases, there can be a higher risk of getting the flu. However, for anyone outside of that group, you can still get the flu. Just children younger than 6 weeks and those with severe, life threatening allergies to flu vaccine should not get the flu shot.
Fiction: I received the flu shot, so it's not possible for me to get the flu.
Fact: The flu shot reduces your risk of getting the flu.
The flu shot is the best way to safeguard yourself and others around you from getting the flu. But in addition to getting vaccinated, it is possible to take regular preventive steps like washing your hands to decrease the spread of germs. The flu shot simply reduces your risk and it can't assure that you won't receive the flu. If you do get the flu despite getting the vaccine, your illness is generally considerably milder. If you're down with the flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading it to other people.
Flu Vaccines - what is it?
Flu vaccines are around the corner. The flu vaccine is your very best way to protect yourself against the flu virus. You need to get one every calendar year, unless you've got a medical reason not to.
How do flu vaccines work?
Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body approximately two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.
The seasonal influenza vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Conventional influenza vaccines are made to safeguard against three influenza viruses; an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus. There are also flu vaccines made to protect against four influenza viruses (known as"quadrivalent" vaccines). These vaccines protect against the same viruses as the trivalent vaccine and an additional B virus.
Can I get the flu from getting flu vaccines?
No. The viruses in flu vaccines are dead. The nasal spray, which has a weak variant of the influenza virus, cannot give you the flu.
What are the potential side effects of flu vaccines?
Most people have no problems from flu vaccines.
You may have a mild fever and feel tired or achy subsequently. Some folks also have redness, soreness, or swelling where they got their shot. These issues are not severe and don't last long.
Serious side effects are infrequent. If they do happen, it's within a few minutes to a couple hours after you get the shot. Call your doctor right away if you have trouble breathing, feel weak or dizzy, or have a fast heartbeat afterward.
If you get the nasal spray, you might have side effects like a runny nose, cough, headache, and sore throat. These are milder and shorter than the actual flu.
Should I Talk to My Doctor Before I Get Flu Vaccines?
You Should Consult your doctor or pharmacist first if:
- You have experienced a life-threatening allergic reaction to a flu shot before.
- You've had Guillain-Barre syndrome which happened after you got the flu vaccine. This is a disorder where the body's immune system attacks the nervous system.
- You're very ill. If you've got a mild illness, then you’re good to get vaccinated. Otherwise, speak with your doctor or pharmacist first.