0 Flu vaccine for you and your children

 The children are one most at risk groups vulnerable to viruses that cause flu. In the U.S. each year are hospitalized more than 20 000 children under 5 years of age with flu symptoms or complications from influenza , such as pneumonia.The flu vaccine can to protect children from serious diseases and even death.
 Most often in the hospital receives children ill flu under 2 years of age. Also, children between the ages of 2 and 4 often seek medical care from GPs or in emergency centers.

Who and when to be vaccinated against flu?

 The flu vaccine is recommended for all , starting with children from 6 months age by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

 To have a greater effect than the flu vaccine is advisable to be vaccinated immediately when vaccines are available in the fall. The objective is to sufficiently during your body to build immunity against influenza virus before flu season is in height. If your child turns 6 months old, in the middle of winter , not
worry . No problem to get your flu shot, even in late January or beginning of February .

How many times should be vaccinated?

 Your physician can tell you how many doses you need , you and your child . some children St require 2 doses of influenza vaccine , especially if you get vaccinated for the first time .
 This year, the U.S. market will show the new quadrivalent flu vaccine can eliminate the need for 2 doses of flu shot.

When you shouldn't be vaccinated against the flu?

 Should not be vaccinated adults and children who have an allergy to eggs.
The reason is that influenza vaccines grown in chicken eggs and contain scars
egg protein .
Not called influenza vaccine to children under 6 months.
Not vaccinated people who have had a severe reaction to a previous vaccination .
Flu vaccine is put to children and adults with the illness with fever .
After they pass the disease can be vaccinated .
If you have questions about whether or not to vaccinate , popitayde your doctors .

Why each year the flu vaccine is changed?

 Each year, scientists develop a new influenza vaccine based on the flu strains which have been in circulation previous flu season . Over the past 30 years influenza vaccines protect against three different flu strains , two strains of influenza type A and one strain of type B. This year, for the first time will be placed quadrivalent flu vaccine that will protect against 2 strains of type B.
 Influenza type A strains are those that cause flu epidemicsand pandemics have severe complications , even death. Strains of type B had less severe symptoms and
pass by lightly .
 Influenza vaccines have about 60% success in preventing the flu. This is Because we each flu season there influenza strains which are not included in the vaccine. But if you vaccinated and still get flu , thanks to the vaccine will fight easier with flu symptoms and recover more quickly.

Are there any side effects from the flu vaccine?

 The main side effect of the flu vaccine is pain around the injection site . This is because they almost all vaccines were placed intramuscularly with the most frequently put in the shoulder. Some children , especially those who have not suffered from the flu so far , may exhibit influenza symptoms such as mild fever , muscle aches and fatigue. These symptom can could continue up to 2 days .
 When using a nasal flu vaccine , some children exhibit flu like symptoms fever, headache, vomiting, fever,  muscle pain and wheezing.
 Other severe allergic reactions are rare , but may occur in all influenza vaccines. If you feel unwell or if you notice any symptoms your child see a doctor !

0 Flu symptoms 2013: New quadrivalent flu vaccine.

In the new vaccination season , will make its debut the new quadrivalent flu vaccine. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have already made a large order of the new influenza vaccine. Manufacturers of influenza vaccines are reporting good demand for the new product.

Approval of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the sale of quadrivalent influenza vaccine for the past 18 months have been MedImmune, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and Sanofi Pasteu.

Seasonal flu vaccines for several decades have focused on two flu strains of type A ( H1N1 and H3N2 ) and one influenza strain of type B. The new quadrivalent flu shot includes two strains of influenza type B. This is done in order to get vaccinated better protection , regardless of which strain of type B will appear in the next winter.

Production of influenza vaccines for the U.S. market this season will reach between 135 million and 139 million doses. It is not clear how many of these flu shots will be the new quadrivalent flu vaccine. Perhaps the new vaccine will reach only 25 million doses. So if you want to get dase dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine would be better to look at than before.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention inforormirat that about 25,000 Americans die from flu complications each flu season . Federal health officials recommended this year to make influenza vaccines for almost everyone , starting at 6 months of age.

Remember what happened last flu season. Authorities in Boston and New York declared an emergency situation. Had to allow pharmacists to put flu vaccines even infants. Flu epidemic has covered 48 states and took many casualties . Maybe it's better this season to vaccinate as many people as possible .


One expert with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) commented that the quadrivalent vaccines are more costly than trivalent ones, and he cautioned that it remains to be seen whether they will actually yield better protection than the older versions.

Also new in the US flu vaccine marketplace this year are two cell-based flu vaccines, made by Novartis and Protein Sciences Corp. The vaccines are grown in cell cultures rather than in chicken eggs, the method in use for more than 50 years. Cell-culture technology is regarded as more flexible and a little faster than egg-based production, and it eliminates the risk of egg-related allergic reactions.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises the CDC, included quadrivalent flu vaccines when it voted in February on the flu vaccines recommended for use this year. No preference for use of any one vaccine over another has been stated by the ACIP for groups for which more than one type of vaccine is appropriate and available.

0 Stomach flu 2013: Bacterial gastroenteritis - symptoms, treatment, causes.

Intestinal bacteria , staphylococci , dirty hands and stale food are just some of the reasons for the unpleasant summer disease

Bacterial gastroenteritis ( stomach flu ) is one of the so-called summer infections. Most often occurs precisely in the warm weather , and the most affected are children, the elderly and pregnant women .
This disease attacks people while traveling , on the beach , on the train or even at home.

Experts have concluded that bacterial gastroenteritis " flourish " mainly in the summer. This happens because of the high temperature, which helps the bacteria to multiply . A viral gastroenteritis is more common in winter and infection usually becomes airborne .

Overall infection of the digestive system " attack " densely populated areas - kindergartens , schools , camps , restaurants, hikers , beaches, hotels ...

As retailers seem - always carry a disinfecting wipes .
Bacterial gastroenteritis is caused by certain intestinal bacteria , staphylococci pathogenic enteric bacillus , salmonella and microbial dysentery.

Viral gastroenteritis is provoked by intestinal virus called rotavirus. In most cases the infection is a result of dirty hands of spoiled or poorly prepared food, from impure water from dirty objects - knives , forks, towels. And also from raw oysters .
A rare chronic gastroenteritis. It occurs in a serious pathological condition , for example in patients with a diagnosis of cancer .

Symptoms of bacterial gastroenteritis are much stronger and prolonged than that of the viral.

Generally the stomach flu symptoms are acute and variable depending on the causes of pain and response of the organism. Here are the outward signs :

- Nausea or vomiting - often at an early stage;
- Pain in the gut, sometimes less , sometimes very acute ;
- Diarrhea.

According to the experts these are the symptoms of inflammation. There are others - the stools can be a rare and perhaps more common. Sometimes mixed with mucus , and in more severe cases - with blood. Again, experts note that these signs are characteristic of bacterial gastroenteritis. When it tends to increase the temperature . Infection lasts 2-3 days.
Symptoms of bacterial gastroenteritis are much stronger and longer than those of viral gastroenteritis - also known as stomach flu.

The signs of inflammation were detected after one to three days from the time of infection. Viral gastroenteritis heal within 2-3 days. Depending on the level of toxicity ( poisoning ) , the disease can last up to 5 days , maybe 10 days .

Here's the place to say that scientists have developed two vaccines against rotavirus in the form of a mixture . Has them in almost all countries. We recommend that you take advantage of them , it is especially important for children.

Run to the doctor as soon as the first symptoms

Treatment of stomach flu has several phases:

- Hydration of the body and diet . This is a special treatment that involves a very large amount of fluids - mainly water, soup, easily digested meal . This cure most types of viral gastroenteritis.

- Serum introducing liquids. Electrolytes used in the event that has led to dehydration.

- Antibiotics . Accepted only in certain situations. Needed special medication.

- Surgery . This is necessary when it comes to bowel perforation and , of course, happens very rarely . In severe cases of viral and bacterial gastroenteritis patient is being treated in a hospital .

Children, the elderly and pregnant women are most vulnerable. Experts say it is important to call the doctor immediately after detection of the first symptoms. Otherwise may lead to dehydration.

Experts warn

- Do not take anti-diarrheal medicines because it can lead to unintended consequences - entangling or bowel obstruction .

- Do not drink milk and dairy products.

- Do not eat fruit , drink juice or take raw vegetables .

- Lost in these few days pastries and sweet fruit.

- Your doctor will recommend what to eat during this time. Usually had to make do with rice, biscuits , chicken meat , herbal teas, carbonated water.

- Your body needs easily absorbable food to be prepared at home.

- After a few days you can go to the usual diet .

- For infants and very young children need this. Look at pharmacies and supermarkets especially milk against diarrhea - soy or lactose-free . Before you give your child , consult your doctor and follow his recommendations.

- For older children is contraindicated to take ice cream or dairy products because they can trigger diarrhea.

First Aid stomach flu

First and most important is to prevent dehydration. And for this purpose you should be familiar with the signs of this condition :

- Constant feeling of thirst ;
- Dark urine ;
- Dry skin ;
- Dry mouth ;
- Sunken cheeks and eyes ;
- A very small amount of urine or complete lack of one.

Before you find yourself in the skilful hands of the doctor , you should drink plenty of fluids - Add the water a little sugar or salt - better mix them . Rich electrolyte drinks are taken only as prescribed by a physician.
Infants and young children give water with a dropper .
If you are sick , wait half , up to one hour and then start drinking liquids in small quantities.

How to Prevent stomach flu

- Well wash your hands every time before eating and after exiting the restroom . This will protect you from all kinds of infections and diseases. Will avoid contamination with germs and prevent those around you . Teach your children how to wash their hands - a must with hot water and soap. Emphasize the places between your fingers .

- Do not use anyone with the same plate , knife, cup , toothbrush , towel .

- If a family member is ill , avoid close contact with him. Frequently wash your hands , take a bath or shower at every opportunity possible .

- Maintain optimum temperature regime at home - the temperature is not higher than 25 degrees. At higher temperature, the prepared meals you can quickly spoil.

- Very good wash raw fruits and vegetables , whether you bought them from the market, or you type them from your own garden .

- Put almost everything in the refrigerator, especially perishable products - sauces, milk, cream, meat.

- Wash not only your hands but also objects that are used in cutting and touched raw meat. Such are the board and the knife which will then cut the bread, salad and so on.

- Be very careful when you buy shellfish - such as various seafood . Especially if you do not know their origin.

- When you go on vacation or traveling, you should make sure that the staff in the kitchen and bathroom there meets all sanitary and hygienic conditions. These are restaurants , taverns , cafes , eateries , bars , etc.

During travel

- Drink only bottled water , avoid it is very cold .

- Decline of raw food and undercooked meat or fish.

- Always carry a personal hygiene items - toilet paper, soap and towels. There you will find yourself in places where you do not have those things so necessary

4 Summer flu 2013: Dangerous summer viruses.

Summer flu are no less dangerous than the winter!

The flu viruses are typical of the winter months , but GPs warn of especially dangerous summer flu viruses that we should not ignore , despite the warm weather . Causes of summer flu are basically seven enteroviruses .

Enteroviruses are usually grow in the intestine , but it is also possible to attack the beta cells of the pancreatic gland , which produces insulin and cause diabetes in children and adolescents. In elderly people enteroviruses may affect the heart , causing myocarditis and / or aseptic meningitis .

In most cases, the summer flu symptoms is fever , stomach pain , fever , rash, nausea , diarrhea and abdominal pain. Usually the virus develops in the small intestine and just a few hours can be modified to a completely different type of virus. Good hygiene proved the best prevention method for summer viruses.




Enteroviruses are extremely resistant and can infect not only airborne , but if you use a foreign or poorly washed dishes . It is possible to catch even when traveling on public transport from touching the handles on the bus or rail of the escalator in the metro . Over 80 % of cases of enterovirus infections have no clinical symptoms. If you are infected , you may not feel any flu symptoms for several days, but during this period can infect many people around you.

The surest way to prevent summer flu to improve their personal hygiene and improve your immune system. If you are in good health , there is usually no need to visit your GP with flu symptoms. The best treatment consists in staying home and relaxing . Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. You can take Paracetamol and Ibuprofen to download fever and relieve pain.

Necessarily seek medical advice :

If you are over 65 years;
If you are pregnant ;
If you have a weak immune system;
If you suffer from chronic diseases.

The flu is particularly dangerous for those groups at risk , as they are prone to complications. If you fall into one of these high risk groups likely to complicate the disease is very high. Immediately call your doctor , who can prescribe antiviral medication. They will not cure the flu , but it will relieve some of the flu symptoms will likely reduce the risk of complications , but will also speed up and repair process . Note that antibiotics are prescribed for flu and viral diseases as they have no effect on viruses .

3 Summer flu 2013: Summer stomach - intestinal infections

Most common during the hot summer days are rotaviruses, enteroviruses and adenoviruses. Common also salmonellosis and viral hepatitis A. To protect yourself you should follow high hygiene and prevent your children to keep to places where there are many.

To make sure that you protect yourself from the summer stomach bug must have a high immunity that can secure some extent by eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals.

Doctors warn us that in August we can expect a summer flu, which can lead to complications such as meningitis and encephalitis.

To any summer flu most vulnerable children. The best way to cure small, and older people's to follow a diet.

The summer flu symptoms are usually temperature, diarrhea, and vomiting often, fatigue - mainly affect the gastrointestinal tract.

The elderly summer viruses usually undergo more easily than in children. If you do not pay close attention to their condition is likely to develop other serious diseases. Summer flu is just as dangerous as winter colds and flu conditions and should not be underestimated.




The summer infections develop very quickly - literally hours - the first symptoms are with vomiting and diarrhea then there etc. In order to heal, it is best to rest at home, take plenty of fluids - mineral water, no coffee, juice or any other sweet drinks.

 The food best Snack only toast white bread, pretzels, crackers. After a few days you will feel much better, but it is good to follow this diet for at least 3 days to make sure that everything is okay.

To make sure, best see a doctor, especially if these symptoms persist for more than a day - it will explain what to do to heal as quickly as possible.

Prolonged vomiting and diarrhea may lead to dehydration, and in the worst case, may lead to hospitalization and infusions.

The summer stomach bugs cause stomach flu with srious symptoms. Do not underestimate summer infections, they may experience serious complications that have severe effects on human health.

On warm summer days is very possible to get food poisoning from improper storage of food. Be careful what you eat and how you store food.

3 stomach flu 2013: Viral gastroenteritis - the lookout in the summer, but not only!

Viral gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is an inflammation of the mucous coating of the stomach and intestines caused by certain groups of viruses. They settled in the epithelial cells of the mucosa, where they multiply and cause damage to the normal structure and function. The stomach flu is a highly infectious and very common - every year there are tens of millions.

1. What are the stomach flu symptoms?

The main stomach flu symptoms are watery diarrhea and vomiting. Also frequently observed headache, fever, chills, and abdominal pain.

Dehydration is the most common complication of stomach flu. Infants, young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk. Symptoms of dehydration are thirst, often urination, dark urine, lethargy, fatigue, dizziness.

In young children and infants, symptoms are dry mouth and tongue, crying without tears, fever, unusually loud crying or high irritability, sunken eyes and cheeks.

Medical attention should be sought mandatory for young children and people with suppressed immunity, and in cases of blood in the stool (an indicator of bacterial superinfection), severe and prolonged course of infection, symptoms of dehydration. Severe dehydration may require intravenous hydration in a hospital setting.

2. What are the most common causes of viral gastroenteritis?

Rotavirus. Rotaviruses are the leading cause of stomach flu in infants and young children. Incubation was continued for 1 to 3 days. Usually, the infection is accompanied by watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever and muscular pain for 3 to 7 days. Rotaviruses can infect and adults in contact with the ailing child. In adults, the stomach flu symptoms less severe.

Calicivirus. Cause infections in people of all ages. Noroviruses are the most common calicivirus and the most common cause of stomach flu in adults. Often reaching epidemic. Usually epidemics broke out from October to April, but are possible at any time of year. Typical stomach flu symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache and muscle aches. The symptoms started 1-2 days after contact with the virus and still 1 to 3 days.

Adenoviruses. Mainly infects children under 2 years. There are 49 types of adenoviruses, one of which affects the gastrointestinal tract and causes nausea and diarrhea. The incubation period is 8-10 days and symptoms persist between one and two weeks. Adenoviral infections may occur at any time of year.

Astroviruses. Infect mostly infants and children less adults. The symptoms are watery diarrhea and vomiting, continuing for up to one week, and appears after an incubation period of 3-4 days. Symptoms were less severe than Norovirus or rotavirus infections. Astroviruses stomach flu are most common during the winter months.

3. How to transmit infection?

Agents spread by airborne and contact-bit path. Available in faeces and vomit. Patients can contaminate food and objects with the virus after defecating, especially if you do not wash their hands. Able to communicate and contact with another person, such as a handshake. Emesis viruses fall into the air.

Noroviruses are highly contagious especially. They can remain viable for months on the surface of objects which have not been thoroughly disinfected. If there are sick of such viruses, it is recommended that the disinfection of the surrounding objects with bleach.

4. How to diagnose stomach flu?

Typically diagnosis is only based on the clinical manifestations. People with severe and prolonged stomach flu symptoms, you may have to visit a specialist to recommend the study of feces to exclude bacterial and parasitic pathogens and identify company-or norovirus.

5. What is the treatment of stomach flu?

Most infections are self-limiting and require no etiological treatment.

Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections!

The goal of treatment is to control stomach flu symptoms and prevent complications. OTC medications such as loperamide (antidiarrheal) and bismuth subsalicylate (antacid antidiarrheal and antibacterial agent) can be administered in adults but not in children.

Important is the right diet, especially to prevent dehydration and disruption of water-salt balance. It includes drinking plenty of fluids (ideally fruit juices or juices) to replace lost fluids and salts, feed restriction starting eating light, easily digestible food - first toast, then boiled potatoes, rice and bananas, avoid of fatty meats and oily food.

Recommended and plenty of rest.

Children are particularly at risk of complications, especially dehydration. They may be appropriate for the provision of special rehydration solutions. Recommended the granting of such solutions even in infants.

Currently explore new diagnostic tests for different rotavirus strains, new vaccines against norovirus and company-and the benefits of probiotics in the treatment of stomach flu.

6. How can you avoid viral gastroenteritis?

The risk of infection can be greatly reduced by following a few tips:

Thoroughly wash hands with soap after each visit to the toilet or changing diapers and before each meal.
Disinfect the vessels of the patient. (Where possible, it is recommended to use bleach.)
Avoid consumption of foods and beverages that are suspected of being infected.

2 Flu symptoms 2013 What is flu and How do you catch him

What is flu and the flu virus?

The flu is an acute infectious disease of viral etiology. Flu symptoms are fever, cough, headache and muscle aches. It spreads easily from person to person, it circulates around the world and can affect everyone - from the youngest to the elderly and cause epidemics and pandemics. Disease known since ancient times. There is evidence that humanity has experienced so far over 30 flu pandemics, and only in the last century, there were three. The most serious of these, so called. "Spanish flu", founded in 1918, has led to the deaths of 20-50 million people.

The flu virus belongs to the family Orthomyxoviridae, that there is only one race - Influenzavirus, including viruses causing disease in humans, mammals and birds. Some flu strains are species specific (infect only certain species, or only the people), but there are strains of flu that can spread from animal species to humans. Famous 3 types of flu virus - type A, type B and C. Influenza type C viruses, although similar in morphology differs from the other two types of the antigen and other basic properties. Influenza C occurs sporadically and causes respiratory disease with a slight leakage.
Viruses that cause seasonal epidemics are of type A and type B.
The most volatile are type A flu virus

The flu viruses are RNA viruses with a spherical shape. Their genome is divided into 8 separate fragments, which allows great opportunities for genetic variations. Wrapped in a lipid envelope containing two specific glycoprotein issued on the surface as "spikes" - hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). Hemaglutininat serves for attachment of the virus to the cells. Neuraminidase facilitates the penetration of the virus into the cell, but also participates in the later stage of exit of the infected cell.



The flu viruses have developed many mechanisms to change its sheathoid glycoproteins, so as to prevent the body's defenses. Hemaglutininat most cosmetic and volatile component A virus neuraminidase also vary, but less intensively. There have been 16 types of hemagglutinin and 9 neuraminidase type. Designating influenza viruses type A reference established types N and H. There may be multiple combinations of different H and N, i.e. has the potential for many subtypes of influenza. In the past 50 years, most of the flu in humans were caused by strains with 3 subtypes of hemagglutinin (H1, H2, H3) and two types of neuraminidase (N1, N2). Contemporary indication of flu viruses and indicates where the virus was first isolated and year of isolation. Characteristic of influenza viruses is their ability to change. So they can overcome the body's defenses. Hemaglutininat is the most volatile component A virus neuraminidase is also changed, but less intensively. Small changes in the genes for hemagglutinin and neuraminidase are called antigenic drift. Drift occurs within a distinct subtype and may lead to a change in virulence. Large changes, called antigenic shift resulting from the rearrangement of the gene to be achieved between the 2 different strains of viruses likely conditions of mixed infection (e.g. infection of an organism with a human virus, and avian). That may result in a virulent strain which is more lethal and spread faster. They are responsible for a flu pandemic.

How do you catch the flu?

Flu viruses are spread by droplets through tiny droplets that are released when sneezing, coughing, speaking of people who are infected and are around us. Virus infection occurs after inhalation of these droplets. If the flu virus is not neutralized in the upper respiratory tract, to enter cells of the nose, throat, etc. and begin to rapidly multiply. Patient Virus removed from the beginning of the development of symptoms or within 24 hours before development. Viruses continue to be paid within 5-10 days. Young children shedding virus for longer. Patients with impaired immunity may secrete the virus several weeks to several months. Transmission of influenza viruses on contact time (by touch) is much rarer. Transmission of influenza from poultry or pigs to humans probably be achieved by a direct contact with infected animals. The risk is particularly high during the slaughter and preparation for consumption. Proper cooked meat poses no risk. Bird flu can also be spread through exposure to water and surfaces contaminated with bird droppings.

Throughout the year can be seen cases of flu. In an area annually observed seasonal ups of infection that are mostly among children in a time when they are clustered in schools and aerosol distribution mechanism is the most efficient. Autumn-winter seasonality is associated with the ability of the virus to survive better at low temperatures. Disinfectants destroy viruses in few minutes. Fly epidemics have occurred 1-3 years usually in season head. They are a result of the emergence of new strains.The flu pandemic covering the entire population of the world occurring in 10-20 years. The reason for this is the ability of influenza virus to modify and to avoid the immune system.