Experient Health Address Flu Vaccine Needs in Living Well Blog Series
Richmond, Va. (PRWEB) August 29, 2013 -- Following closely behind the back to school weeks is flu season and Experient Health recommends in its latest post in its Living Well Blog series that individuals, families and businesses educate themselves on the types of vaccines available.
“Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death,” Experient Health published in its Blog. “Every year, as many as 49,000 people in the United States die from influenza or related complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with the vast majority of victims being 65 years and older.”
Flu season in the United States typically begins in October and can last as late as May. During this time, viruses that cause the flu circulate through the population.
The CDC recommends the flu shot as the best way protect yourself from contracting influenza. A person who receives the flu vaccine is 60 percent less likely to need treatment by a healthcare provider. Getting the vaccine has been shown to offer substantial other benefits including reducing illness, antibiotic use, time lost from work, hospitalizations and deaths.
“People should get the flu shot as soon as it becomes available in their community in late September or early October,” according to Experient Health. “Receiving the vaccine during this timeframe will protect you for the duration of the flu season and spare you from long waits and possible shortages as flu season unfolds.”
There are two types of vaccines.
The nasal-spray flu vaccine is made with weakened flu viruses administered through the nostrils. It is approved for use in healthy people ages 2 through 49 years who are not pregnant.
The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
There are three different flu shots available - a regular flu shot approved for people ages 6 months and older, a high-dose flu shot approved for people 65 and older, and an intradermal flu shot approved for people 18 to 64 years of age.
“People who have a history of severe reaction to flu shots, severe allergies to chicken eggs or are currently suffering from a moderate-to-severe illness should consult their doctor before getting the vaccine.”
Experient Health’s Living Well Blog series covers topics ranging from healthy recipes, conservation, vaccination seasons, exercise tips, healthcare news and more.
ABOUT EXPERIENT HEALTH:
For years, Experient Health, a Virginia Farm Bureau company, has helped people find the right insurance coverage and get the most for their health care dollars. The Richmond, Va.-based group is dedicated to providing high quality health insurance options to customers in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. As a result, its consultants, with an average of more than 20 years experience, are intimately familiar with the states’ provider networks, products and regulations.
Representing the top national insurance carriers, Experient Health provides customers with multiple policy options designed to meet wellness needs and financial requirements.
Experient Health grew out of Virginia Farm Bureau and is a “hometown agency” in that it operates a network of more than 100 offices. However, it boasts the resources and technology of larger firms.
Consultants are available online, via phone and through their offices.
Learn more at http://www.experienthealth.com, utilize the online health insurance quote calculator or contact a consultant directly at 855.677.6580.
Stephanie Heinatz, Consociate Media, +1 (757) 713-2199, [email protected]
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