CDC Now Recommends Hepatitis B Vaccine For Diabetics
Full article can be found at: www.dietsinreview.com
Recently the Centers for Disease Control released new recommendations for 2012 that include Hepatitis B vaccine recommended for diabetics.
Diabetics have a lot on their plate, figuratively speaking of course. Not only is it their responsibility to monitor their blood sugar, food intake, exercise and medication usage, but they also have to make sure they have yearly dilated eye exams, do daily foot exams, and twice a year dental exams and cleanings. Complications of diabetes include effects on the eyes like blurred vision and possible blindness, gum disease, and nerve pain that results in lack of sensation in the extremities like the feet. That’s why all these screenings are so important to diabetes care. With having weakened immune systems diabetics are encouraged to get flu and pneumonia vaccines. Added to this conversation now is the Hepatitis B Vaccine.
Hepatitis B is a virus that has affects on the liver. It is contracted through blood and bodily fluids. Examples of ways people can come in contact with the virus include sex without the use of protection like a condom, unsanitary piercing or tattooing tools, sharing razors or toothbrushes, and sharing needles whether they are being used for recreational drugs or for medication. This is where diabetics are at risk, not only for the pen needles and syringes used for injecting insulin, or their Byetta or Victoza, but also for the lancets they use to obtain blood for their glucometer readings.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B include flu-like symptoms like fatigue, headache, lack of appetite, and muscle aches. Jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and eyes, usually shows up after the flu-like symptoms go away and indicate that the liver is being affected. Hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for health care workers, drug users, and people undergoing dialysis.
The vaccine requires a series of three shots and is usually given along with the infant immunization schedule. After the first shot, the second is given at least a month after and the third is six months after the first dose. It is administered into the muscle of the upper arm or upper thigh of children. Usually some muscle soreness and some redness or swelling is possible.
Visit Passport Health’s Baltimore Offices To Get You And Your Family Vaccinated.
Call Us At 410.727.0556 To Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Don’t Forget To Pack This
Original article by Anishaa/www.postnoon.com
Snow-peaked mountains, rugged landscapes, fine dining and fun shopping — we all love a good vacation. So what’s in your suitcase checklist — creams, clothes, camera and vaccinations? Yes, travelling to certain countries requires vaccinations. What exactly is a vaccination? A vaccination in simple terms is a means to help strengthen the immune system against certain diseases. For many countries vaccinations are compulsory.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is caused by a virus that is spread by the bite of mosquitoes. People travelling to and from a country infested with yellow fever cases are required to take vaccination at least 10 days before the date of travel.
Meningitis
Travelers to certain countries and even pilgrims are required to be immunized against meningitis. It is basically the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Other Recommended Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an infectious disease of the liver that is caused by the Hepatitis A virus. It is high in areas with poor hygiene. Vaccines for both children and adults are available.
Influenza
Influenza, a seasonal illness is protected against by an Influenza vaccine. It is an annual vaccine against the influenza virus. The Influenza vaccine is commonly known as the flu vaccine.
When should they be taken?
Certain vaccinations such as the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine require a booster shot after one month hence it is important to plan travel in advance. Most other vaccinations also require a minimum of two weeks. In case a person requires multiple vaccines, it is advised that they take it on the same day. Once a vaccination is taken one should not take vaccinations with intermittent gaps. For example if you take a vaccination today it is not right to take a vaccination after say 2-3 days. Any other vaccination then should be taken only after four weeks.
Visit Passport Health’s Baltimore Office To Get You And Your Family’s Travel Shots This Travel Season.
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January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. In the United States, according to the American Cancer Society, about 12,710 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2011 and 4,290 women died of the disease. Cervical cancer is caused by “high-risk” types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection, about 3 of every 4 adults will have had HPV at some time in their lives, and most HPV infections go away without treatment. Infections that do not go away can cause cells on the cervix to change and become abnormal. Over time, abnormal cells can develop into cervical cancer.
With proper screening and vaccination, almost every case of cervical cancer can be prevented.
Cervical cancer does not cause any symptoms until it has advanced to a very late stage. That’s why it’s important to get screened regularly even if you feel healthy. There are 2 tests used for cervical cancer screening, the pap test and the HPV test. The Pap test looks for abnormal cells that can develop into cervical cancer. If necessary, the abnormal cells can be treated, but keep in mind that abnormal cells are not yet cancer. Treated effectively at an early stage, abnormal cells will not develop into cervical cancer. Current U.S. screening guidelines recommend women have their first Pap test at age 21.
The HPV test looks for the high-risk types of HPV that can cause abnormal cervical cells and cervical cancer. Current U.S. guidelines recommend that women who are 30 or older get an HPV test along with their Pap test. (HPV testing is not recommended for women under the age of 30 due to the fact that HPV infections in younger women are very common and usually disappear without treatment.) If both the HPV test and Pap test are normal, women can wait 3 years before their next screening.
A good way to prevent Cervical Cancer is to be vaccinated for high-risk HPV 16 and 18, the two strains of the disease that cause about 70% of all cervical cancers. However, HPV vaccines are most effective when given to girls and young women who are not yet sexually active. HPV vaccines are recommended for girls 11 and 12 years old, and are approved for girls and young women up to age 26. Women who have been vaccinated must be screened regardless, to prevent cancer developing from HPV types not covered by the vaccination.
Call 410.727.0556 To Make An Appointment At Your Local Passport Health To Receive The HPV Vaccine Today!
Planning on traveling any time soon?
Plane or bus travel is a prime way to pick up or spread the flu. But there are steps you can take to help avoid getting others sick or getting sick yourself.
Passport Health recommends the following:
- Get a flu shot before you travel.
- Pack a kit of hand sanitizer, soap, tissues and pain relievers.
- Don't travel if you don't feel well or suspect you might have the flu.
- Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue, rather than your hands.
- Wash your hands frequently with water and soap.
- Stay away from people who are sick. Try not to touch your mouth, eyes or nose.
Call 410-727-0556 to make an appointment at your local Passport Health for Your Annual Flu Shot.
Animal Bites Should Be Assessed For Rabies
2012 United Press International, Inc
The third case of human rabies in the United States acquired in Haiti since 2000 highlights the importance of obtaining patients' history, health officials say.
A report published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report said a 73-year-old US resident who was bitten in April by an adopted street dog in her home country of Haiti, died in July of rabies while visiting her family.
The woman did not seek medical care when the bite occurred because she thought it was minor. Her family in the United States was not informed of the bite until after diagnosis, an investigation found.
After returning to the US, the patient went to a emergency department June 30 with shoulder pain, chest pain, headaches and increased blood pressure despite hypertension medication. Based on her signs and medical history a blood clot was suspected but tests for a heart attack were negative and she was released.
She visited two different hospital emergency rooms the next day with more symptoms and a drug reaction was suspected, the report said. Rabies was detected in a skin biopsy July 18.
The woman's daughter spoke with relatives in Haiti who said the woman had been bitten by her dog.
Infected bats are the most common source of human U.S. rabies, but dogs are the most common source abroad, health officials said.
Health officials advise a full history be obtained from those who have traveled from a rabies-endemic country where rabies can be contracted from a dog.
US travelers are strongly advised to be immunized against rabies prior to traveling to high risk countries.
Visit Passport Health’s Baltimore Offices To Get You And Your Family Immunized.
Call Us At 410.727.0556 To Schedule An Appointment Today!
