Recent News

OCT 2016: News about the Flu Vaccine

10/05/2016

It’s really tough to stay on top of all the health news these days. We’re here to help. Since the flu season is right around the corner, here’s a snapshot of recent news stories about the flu vaccine.

Flu shot helps people with diabetes.The seasonal flu vaccine is now recommended for everyone 6 months and older. But for some people it can be a matter of life and death. During a seven-year study, British researchers looked at a group of nearly 125,000 people with type 2 diabetes—people who have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems. In those with type 2 diabetes, the flu vaccine was linked with reductions in flu-season hospital admissions, including a:

30 percent reduction in admission for stroke
22 percent reduction in admissions for heart failure
19 percent reduction in admissions for heart attack
15 percent reduction in admissions for pneumonia or influenza

Among those who received a flu shot, the death rate was 24 percent lower than in those who had not been vaccinated. The study didn’t prove a cause-and-effect connection between the two. But the results are pretty compelling.

Limits of the flu vaccine “twofer.” How do infants benefit when their moms have a flu shot during pregnancy? Previous studies showed a benefit, for sure. Now we know how long it likely lasts. Researchers in South Africa assessed more than 1,000 infants whose moms received a flu shot while pregnant. During the first eight weeks after birth the vaccines were 85.6 percent effective. After that, effectiveness ranged from about:

25 percent at eight to 16 weeks
30 percent at 16 to 24 weeks

It’s helpful to know this because current vaccines don’t work well in infants younger than six months, and infants have high rates of the flu. Talk to me about other ways you can protect your baby. That includes washing your hands often, keeping your baby away from sick people, and making sure everyone else in your family is vaccinated.

Get your flu shot. If you’re like many people, getting a flu vaccination can easily slip your mind. But a flu shot is too important to get bumped to the bottom of your priority list. Every flu season is different, and every person responds to the flu in a different way. The flu can lead to hospitalizations and even death. The flu season often begins in October, so there’s no better time than the present.

Long-term protection. More good news? Another study has found that flu vaccines offer moderate protection for about six months. That’s the length of most flu seasons. The study’s findings suggest that a flu shot in early fall may prevent the greatest number of cases. Want to get a jump-start on that flu shot instead? Well, then, October is your month. Call your doctor or us for your flu shot options. We are ready if you need us. If you do catch the flu this season stop in for your flu needs and talk with our pharmacist about your symptoms. We are here to help.

Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.

SEPT 2016: When Kids’ Allergies Strike in the Fall

09/05/2016

School is in session, and just like clockwork your 8-year-old starts sneezing, sniffling, and snorting - not to mention clearing her throat and blowing her nose like there’s no tomorrow. Poor thing!

What’s going on?
Chances are it’s allergies—the immune system’s abnormal reaction to a substance that would normally be quite harmless. 1 Up to 40 percent of children in the U.S. have nasal allergies.
How can you know for sure whether allergies are the culprit? One way is to have your child see the pediatrician, who may find clues in places like nasal mucous membranes. But the only way to identify specific triggers is to do allergy testing.
Outdoor allergens. Also known as hay fever, seasonal allergies often bring images of springtime sufferers, so common when many plants begin to bloom. In the fall, however, outdoor allergens such as ragweed and tumbleweed may also release tiny pollen and wreak major havoc - especially in the morning.
Indoor allergens. But that’s not all. In the fall, your child begins spending more time inside at school and home. That’s why many indoor allergens may then also rear their ugly heads. Here’s just a sample:

Dust mites, a microscopic insect that lives in bedding, sofas, and carpets
Mold
Animal allergens such as fur, skin, feathers, or saliva
Clothing and toys made or stuffed with animal hair
Latex in rubber gloves, toys, or balloons, as well as in the elastic found in clothing.

Avoiding triggers. You don’t have a lot of control over indoor allergens at school. But there certainly are some things you can do to protect your child. Here’s a small sample of steps you can take:

Use air conditioners and keep windows closed in your car and at home to reduce exposure to pollen.
Have your child avoid playing in piles of dead leaves if mold allergies are a problem.
Take steps to reduce mold growth in the home. For example, fix leaky plumbing, remove bathroom carpets, and control indoor humidity.
Vacuum upholstered furniture and wash linens weekly and other bedding every 1 to 2 weeks in hot water.
Limit stuffed animals in the bedroom. Yes, I know... That might be a tough sell.
Replace pillows every 2 to 3 years.
Encase pillows, mattresses, and comforters in special covers that keep dust mites out.

Avoiding triggers is the best way to prevent the symptoms of allergies. But keep in mind that it can take three to six months to see an improvement in symptoms once indoor triggers are removed.

Talk time. Sometimes avoiding triggers is not enough to control symptoms. Before you stock up on loads of over-the-counter drugs, however, swing by and have a talk with me. I can point you to products in our store and guide you on their use. Also, make sure to have a conversation with your child’s pediatrician. Sometimes allergy testing or prescription medications are needed to bring real relief.