Once a person develops chicken pox, it stays dormant in their bodies indefinitely. Shingles starts as a painful rash that develops into blisters. These blisters will then scab over and it usually takes about two to four weeks for them to go away. This condition is extremely painful and usually occurs when the immune system is weakened.

There is a Shingles Vaccination that is available to those who are over the age of sixty. It is a good idea to be vaccinated if you have ever experienced this ailment.

Zostavax is the vaccination that is available to prevent Shingles. It has a good success ratio and there are not a lot of side effects to worry about. One may experience a mild rash or soreness around the shot area, but these are minor effects compared to the symptoms of Shingles.

There are some people who should not have this vaccine including those with HIV/AIDS with T cell counts under 200, women who may be pregnant, people with weakened immune symptoms from diseases such as cancer and those who are prone to severe and life threatening reactions.

Studies show that the Shingles Vaccination can protect against this condition for at least six years and maybe even longer. After having the vaccine, a person is not contagious and cannot spread the chicken pox to others. Although they are being injected with a small amount of the virus, patients cannot spread this disease to others.

The vaccine is recommended for senior citizens because the chances of developing this condition are greatly increased as one grows older. A person who has experienced Shingles should still consider getting the vaccination because it can prevent them from enduring future outbreaks.

It is highly recommended to have the Shingles Vaccination if you have developed this condition in the past or if there is a history of this affliction on your family. The older a person is, the worse the disease can affect them.

Many insurance companies will cover the costs of this vaccination and Medicare Part D covers it as well. It can most definitely prevent future outbreaks and one can receive more information by speaking to their physician. A physician can also determine who are the best candidates or receiving this vaccination.

Hepatitis B is a disease that affects the liver and can cause a vast array of symptoms and complications. The most severe complications from Hepatitis B (known as chronic Hepatitis B) is liver failure, liver cancer, cirrhosis and of course, death. However, some people that have Hepatitis B only have symptoms that last a week or so (which is known as acute Hepatitis B). This disease has affected more than one-third of the world’s population and is considered one of the most rapidly spreading causes of death around the world.

For those not yet affected with Hepatitis B, fortunately, there is a proven line of defense against this devastating disease.

Introduced in 1982, the Hepatitis B vaccine became available in countries around the world. This vaccine was the first vaccine produced that prevented a major cancer. The effective rate of the Hepatitis B vaccine is approximately 95%, and has lowered the rate of mortality caused by this disease in children dramatically.

The Hepatitis B vaccine is composed of an active part of the virus. However, this vaccine will not cause patients to develop the disease. The part of the virus that is used for the vaccine causes the body to produce antibodies against the entire virus, and therefore the body will become immune to Hepatitis B if it is ever exposed.

The vaccine is usually given in a series of 3 or 4 injections. It is important that the person receiving the vaccine receives all of the injections as scheduled, otherwise the person will need to start the series over. The injections are usually given in the upper arm on adults and in the thigh on children. The area may become sore afterward, as that is typical of all injections.

Who should receive the vaccine?

It is suggested that everyone receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. Children, the elderly and those with low immune systems, however, should consider starting the series as soon as possible since they pose the greater risk of developing this disease. Other groups of people that also carry a greater risk of developing the disease are men that have sexual intercourse with other men, people that participate in illegal street drugs (particularly drugs that are injected), and people that work in an environment that exposes them to human blood and body fluids.

It should also be noted that there are a few people that should not receive the vaccine. These people include those that are allergic to baker’s yeast, people that have had an allergic reaction to any previous doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine, or someone that is ill during the time of the scheduled injection. If a person is ill at the time of the scheduled injection, they should reschedule until they are completely well.

In over 117 countries worldwide, the Hepatitis B vaccine is being offered at birth to all newborns. Parents have the choice to begin the vaccine within 24 hours of the birth of their child, and will need to continue the series with their pediatrician. Although the vaccine is a option given to new parents and is not required, most parents choose to have the vaccine administered to their newborn.

What are the risks?

Just like any other vaccine or procedure, there are risks. Although the Hepatitis B vaccine is considered very safe, it is important that all people receiving the vaccination know what could potentially occur.

The most commonly reported problems is soreness where the vaccine was administered and having a fever over 99.9F. These issues are minor and should not pose any concern.

A more serious problem that can occur is having an allergic reaction.  It should be noted that allergic reactions only happen in approximately 1 out of 1.1 million doses. However, if the person who received the vaccine believes they may be having one, they should seek medical attention immediately.

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Typhoid is generally not common in industrialized regions, such as the United States or Canada.  However it is common in developing parts of the world, such as Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia where the water supply is not sanitized for safe drinking. Typhoid fever is caused by the bacteria named Salmonella Typhi which is ingested through contaminated water or food.

Even if you are not traveling to countries where typhoid is a threat, immunization may be necessary if you are going to be around someone who has contracted typhoid fever as it’s highly contagious. This is essential if you are a health care worker or work with young children.

The symptoms that show you may be suffering from this disease include the following: weakness, high fever, headaches, stomach pain, and at times a rash. The typhoid disease has a fatality rate of 30% if it is left untreated, however, it can likely be treated with antibiotics and the uncomfortable symptoms should begin to subside within 2 to 3 days.

Just because you receive a typhoid vaccine does not mean you are no longer susceptible. While it is a good measure to prevent it, it is not 100% protection. That is why it’s extremely important to practice vigilance when out of the country in terms of avoiding risky foods and beverages.

You can check current travel health information at the Center for Disease Control Travelers’ Site (CDC).  The information provided by the CDC is essential if you are traveling to a developing country.  In addition, you should contact your doctor and discuss a vaccination schedule way in advance, should you need multiple shots.

You may read additional information about a typhoid vaccination schedule here.

The inactivated vaccine is not to be given to children who are younger than two-years-old. This should be received around two weeks before you plan on traveling to a location where this shot is required. Getting another shot in two years will have you protected against typhoid again.

The other type of vaccine would be the oral vaccine, which is an activated vaccine. This typhoid vaccine is actually a live part of the typhoid disease that has been weakened. It is not to be taken by a child who is younger than six-years-old. Given in four total doses that will be taken two days apart, you should finish the last dose around a week before traveling. This should be renewed every five years.

It is important to emphasize that just because you receive the vaccination, it does not mean you are 100% immune. Caution must still be taken when eating and drinking in foreign countries where typhoid is prevalent.  This means drinking bottled water, avoiding uncooked fish and shellfish, and eating only cooked food in general.

You may read additional information about Typhoid and who may  need a Typhoid Vaccine here.

However, many individuals are able to tolerate these vaccines as well as other vaccines without having any of the side effects that are listed. In many cases, if an individual does happen to experience one of these side effects and it is minor, it can easily be treated by the healthcare provider. If you are experiencing any that are more serious, such as signs of an allergic reaction or a very high fever, then you should immediately report them to the healthcare provider that administered the vaccine.

In regards to the HPV vaccine, side effects are listed for precaution. Not every individual that gets the HPV vaccine will be experiencing these effects. Generally, individuals are able to tolerate this vaccine quite well.

The effects listed here are some of the most common side effects reported and are not meant to be a comprehensive  report. If you are further interested in learning more information about this, you need to speak with your healthcare provider as they will be able to discuss the full list with you.

With the HPV vaccine, you are going to come across a number of different side effects that you could experience. Again, if you get any of them, you will need to report them to your healthcare provider in order to get treatment for them. You could develop a very high fever, weakness, tingling or paralysis. You could also develop allergic reactions and show signs of difficulty breathing, wheezing, itching, hives or unusual skin rash.

Similar to other vaccinations, fainting has also been experienced  by some individuals that have been given this vaccine. For fifteen minutes after the vaccine has been administered, patients should be watched in order to make sure fainting does not come about in a dangerous situation, for instance,  driving home.

You do not have much to worry about because the HPV vaccination has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. Through those clinical trials, many individuals were evaluated. These types of studies are extensive, documenting all of the side effects which are then compared to other effects that occur within a similar group of people that do not take the medication.

Through those trials, the following side effects were found:

Pain in the area where the injection was done (83. 9 percent of the people), swelling in the area where the injection was done (25. 4 percent), redness in the area (24. 6 percent) fever (13 percent), nausea (6. 7 percent), diarrhea (3. 6 percent) and dizziness (4 percent).

Other HPV vaccine side effects that were reported in over one percent of women include cough, toothache, vomiting, trouble sleeping, stuffy nose and ill feeling.

It is possible that you may not experience any of the side effects listed above.  However, it is merely impossible for your healthcare provider to know beforehand what symptoms you may experience, if any at all. That is why it is best for you to be as informed as possible and know what to look out for should anything come up.

If you would like to additionally read about the HPV controversy, you can do so here.

Why not a Vaccine?

Usually, when thinking of a flu epidemic, one of the best modes to fight the virus is through a vaccine. Its effectiveness can last for a very long time, in many cases years. That also speaks on how strong it is in keeping such viruses from infecting your body.

However, AH1N1 virus caught everyone by surprise. After all, it hasn’t been known before. It contains three kinds of flu strains: from humans, swines, and birds. Since such a virus is completely unknown until now, there isn’t any vaccine yet that can get rid of the disease.

So how can you actually stop it? You can take Tamiflu tablets.

How does Tamiflu work?

There are actually two kinds of tablets that are being utilized now to combat AH1N1 virus. These are Ralenza and Tamiflu. Of the two, the latter is a lot easier to take because it’s in tablet form. You need to inhale Ralenza before it becomes effective.

Tamiflu targets the A virus of the AH1N1. It prevents the virus from spreading throughout the body. That’s why when you take Tamiflu, your fever can already subside more quickly. You will also be healed from AH1N1 in a matter of days–it kills the virus.

However, the secret to the effectiveness of Tamiflu lies on how you administer it. This drug should be given to the patient within the first 48 hours after being diagnosed. Otherwise, it starts to lose its effectiveness, and the sufferer may never be cured by the illness. Second, it should be obtained from a health care facility or from a physician because this is a prescribed medicine. Also, children who are more than 7 years old are the only ones who are allowed to ingest Tamiflu. Those with children below the age of 7 must consult their doctor first before they decide to buy an anti-flu, anti-virus medication.

If it’s so effective, how come the virus just keeps on spreading?

There are two good reasons for this. First, the virus is very easy to spread. You can get it by holding the same item held by an infected person. You can also acquire it when the infected individual coughs, spits, or lunges saliva at you when he or she is talking (yes, talk about gross). Let’s not forget that the virus is also very powerful. Second, Tamiflu is administered only when the patient is already infected. It is not a supplement that can be taken to prevent any disease. It’s a form of treatment.

Again, prevention will always be a lot better than a cure. So before you start thinking about where to get these Tamiflu tablets, first know how you can up your defense against the dreaded virus.

Every parent needs to get this one thing done while their babies are growing up: they have to be vaccinated. However, the problem is that there are more and more moms and dads who decide not to do so because they really don’t understand the concept of infant vaccinations. 

Perhaps with the following information in mind, you will begin to realize that immunization is important for the preservation of your child’s life.

 Why do children have to be vaccinated?

Babies and small children don’t really have very strong immune systems. The vaccines will make sure that the diseases that would normally attack them and make them very weak — even causing death — will not have the advantage. You can think of it as adding several layers of protective shield on your child’s body.

How do they work?

Vaccines normally contain the disease’s strain. However, it should be very weak or even dead. The purpose of this is to encourage your child’s body to produce the right antibodies to ward off these kinds of infection and illnesses. The cells would think that your child already has the disease, so antibodies are then formed.

How soon should I have my child immunized?

There are different types of vaccines that can be administered to the child while he or she is growing up. You may have to coordinate with your physician to know what they are, when they are given, and how many times they should be applied. As new diseases are discovered, vaccines to combat them will be developed and eventually become available. Only then will you know if it’s recommended or even necessary to administer to your infant.

Are there side effects to vaccination?

Yes, there are, and they are usually caused by the body’s reaction to these foreign bodies. When your body gets to produce enough antibodies or becomes immune to them, these side effects will be gone. They are also very mild. These include tenderness in the injected area, fatigue, and fever. Cold compress always works in areas that are painful because of the injection.

However, you should make sure that the vaccination is performed by your doctor only. This way, you know that your child is safe, and you can keep him or her away from the serious side effects of vaccinations such as high fever and brain damage. They normally happen when the child is given too much dose of the vaccine.

Can my child develop allergic reactions to the vaccine?

Yes, they can, and it’s very important that any allergic symptoms are reported right away to the doctor. This is so he or she can immediately identify which vaccine is causing the problem, and the physician can figure out the right solution for the allergic reaction.

Can I have my child vaccinated when he or she is sick?

The answer is no, and there are three reasons. First, the vaccine would not work very effectively, as it’s only meant to deal with certain kinds of infection. Your child’s illness may not be one of them. Second, the side effects that could be brought about by the vaccine may only make your child weaker. Third, your child could already be on medication and the vaccination may cause some complications.