Health Basics Archives | HealthSmartVaccines

Jan 10

5 Key Facts to Know About the Seasonal Flu Vaccine

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

Getting an annual flu shot is the best way to minimize your risk of contracting the flu. January is not too late to vaccinate. The peak of the flu season is usually late January through April with the peak in the February and March period. Live or work in the Chantilly area? Visit HealthSmartVaccines’ clinic for your flu shot and all adult vaccine needs including travel vaccines. If you plan to fly this winter, especially longer and international flights, it is especially important to have a flu shot. Remember, there are two different vaccines available this year and for the best protection, be sure you receive the vaccine that protects against four different strains of flu. HealthSmartVaccines only offers the better vaccine.

Our modern and convenient immunization clinic offers the vaccines you need to stay healthy and protected against preventable contagious diseases at home and on the road. We also offer travel insurance through Travel Guard, an AIG company. A minimal investment in travel protection may protect both your health and your wallet.

FLU FACTS — Q & A

Why You Should Get It: The flu can vary in intensity and may affect people in different ways. Millions of people contract it every year, and in serious cases, it can require hospitalization and even cause death. Getting a flu shot is the single best way to avoid contracting the illness. Between 35,000 and 40,000 Americans die of the flu every year.
How The Vaccine Works: Over the course of the two weeks following your shot, antibodies will develop in response to fight the small amount of viruses that are present in the vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine prepares your body to fight four different types of influenza viruses.

Who Should Get It: For children six months to age 17, contact your pediatrician or family physician. Most adults between age 18 and 64 should receive an annual flu shot. Adults 65 and older should receive a special high dose flu shot designed especially for this age group. If you have any doubts or concerns, call HealthSmartVaccines or consult with your personal physician.
Pregnancy: It is recommended that women who are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant should receive a flu shot.
Are there some people who should not receive a flu shot? Yes If you have ever had a reaction to the flu or any vaccine, consult with your physician. If you are allergic to eggs or taking medications that may affect your immune system, consult with your physician.
How Often You Should Go: It’s recommended that individuals get vaccinated annually, because the viruses are constantly changing. The vaccination is updated regularly, and you need the latest shot for the most thorough protection.

To schedule your flu vaccine with HealthSmartVaccines, call (703) 961-0733. You can also visit the center’s website to learn more about their additional services.

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Nov 29

What are the High-Risk Areas for Contracting Yellow Fever?

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

Before you take off on an overseas vacation, it’s important to make sure you’re informed about any potential health or safety hazards you may face during your visit. For example, if you’ve recently booked a tropical getaway, you may need to take precautions to protect yourself against yellow fever. Today, Chantilly, Virginia’s top travel clinic, HealthSmartVaccines, will explain what you need to know about this dangerous disease.

Yellow fever, which is a mosquito-borne illness, is prevalent in tropical and subtropical zones of South America and Africa. Still, an estimated nine in 10 reported cases of the disease occur in Africa, where it is endemic in 34 countries, including Uganda, Angola, and Ghana. Meanwhile, it’s endemic in 13 South American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. While there have been no reports of yellow fever in Asia, mosquitoes that could carry the disease do exist there.

More than half the people who contract yellow fever will die from it. Since this disease has no known cure, doctors recommend the yellow fever vaccination as the most effective and responsible mode of prevention. It’s safe, affordable, and provides lifelong immunity against the disease. If you’re heading to South America, Africa, or even Asia, obtain your yellow fever vaccination beforehand, just in case. That way, you can enjoy a fun, stress-free, and healthy vacation.

To ensure you stay safe on your next trip, make sure you’re up to date on all your travel vaccinations. For more information about staying protected, call the experts from HealthSmartVaccines today at (703) 961-0733.

Nov 08

3 Ways to Fend off Illness After Getting Your Flu Vaccine

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

Although getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against illness this winter, the flu shot is not 100% effective. The flu vaccine may not protect everyone from the flu, but the CDC reports that it can still prevent several flu-related complications.

If you’re ready to get your annual flu shot, turn to HealthSmartVaccines in Chantilly, VA. Here are three additional ways to fend off illness this winter:

Limit Contact: Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick, and if you fall ill, limit your own contact with others. The CDC recommends that people with flu symptoms remain at home for at least 24 hours after their fever has subsided except to seek medical treatment.
Wash Your Hands: It is important to wash your hands frequently all season long. Use soap and water, and scrub your hands thoroughly every time. If you do not have access to a sink with soap, use an alcohol-based sanitizer, instead.
Disinfect Surfaces: Clean and disinfect the surfaces in your home, car, and office that could easily get contaminated with disease-causing germs. Bring portable bleach wipes with you when you’re out running errands so you can wipe down the handle on your shopping cart. You can also carry alcohol-based sanitizer in your purse for when you’re in a pinch and don’t have any wipes handy.

If you want to avoid catching the flu this year, the above tips will help. Ultimately, it comes down to developing an awareness of where flu germs are likely lurking. For example, you should avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose, especially when you’re out in public.

If you want to protect your family from the flu this year, turn to HealthSmartVaccines in Chantilly, VA. Call (703) 961-0733 to schedule a flu vaccine today.

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Aug 30

How to Observe a TB Test Injection

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

The tuberculosis test, also called a TB test, is often administered to people who are seeking a job working with children or the elderly. HealthSmartVaccines in Chantilly, VA, offers TB tests at an affordable price while seeking to help patients understand the results of this common skin test.

A TB test is administered through an injection in the inner forearm. Results must be read within a window of 48 to 72 hours. Waiting to read the results outside of 72 hours will require the test to be redone. HealthSmartVaccines knows that some patients will be anxious for results, and while patients cannot read the results on their own, they can keep track of the injection site during the wait window.

Do Not Cover Or Scratch: In order for results to be accurate, it is crucial that patients do not cover the injection site with a bandage of any kind. It is also important to not scratch or rub the injection site, which can cause swelling and redness that might obscure the real results of the test. You can wash the area as you would wash normally.
Check For Bump: Once inside the 48- to 72-hour window, you can use your fingertips to gently check for a bump at the injection site. If there is no firm bump, chances are the results of your TB test are negative. Even if there is soft swelling and slight redness, the absence of a bump probably means a negative result. If you have can feel a firm bump, this could be a positive result. Either way, in order to get real medical results, you must return to HealthSmartVaccines and have a medical professional determine the results.
Track Changes: While you cannot determine the results on your own, you can track the progress of your TB test for your own peace of mind. If you find it helpful, you can also jot down notes on the changes you notice at the injection site to share with your doctor when you come in to find the results.

In addition to administering TB tests, HealthSmartVaccines also provides vaccinations for infants, children, and adults. Whether you need a flu shot for winter, travel vaccinations before your big trip overseas, or vaccines for travel insurance, they can help. Call (703) 961-0733 to schedule an appointment today.

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Apr 26

Create Healthy, Happy Workplaces With On-Site Flu Shots & Clinics

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

Your workplace is a team. You share ideas, motivation, commiseration, obstacles, and victories. You also share germs. Keep your team healthy and happy next flu season with flu immunizations from HealthSmartVaccines. As part of their mission to serve the public health of Chantilly, VA, HealthSmartVaccines offers flu shots and clinics in the workplace. These popular programs make it easy for everyone in your business or organization to get a flu vaccination so you can stay productive.

With clinics available for as few as twenty-five people, their programs are ideal for keeping a wide range of businesses and organizations healthy. Any size company will benefit from the happiness and productivity boost created by offering employer-sponsored flu shots and clinics.

On-site vaccinations are beneficial for other groups, as well. Day care centers will appreciate the decrease in runny noses that immunizations provide while health and fitness center members will appreciate easy access to flu prevention support. Best yet, all of their flu vaccination prices are lower than drug and grocery stores, giving employees, clients, and members extra incentive to protect their health.

flu shots

In addition to offering flu shots and clinics, HealthSmartVaccines is also your source for travel vaccinations. If you frequently send your employees abroad on business, you can count on HealthSmartVaccines to make sure they have the information and immunizations they need to protect their health while away. Their on-site group travel clinics are also ideal for church mission trips, study abroad programs, and any other organization about to embark on an overseas adventure with four or more people.

Nothing bogs down a team like a rapidly spreading flu. Keep your business or organization running smoothly and happily this season with help from HealthSmartVaccines. Call (703) 961-0733 to schedule a flu clinic for your Chantilly business or organization, or visit their website to learn more about their vaccination services, flu shots, and clinics.

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Mar 24

3 Reasons to Get Your Family’s Vaccinations From HealthSmartVaccines in Chantilly

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

Parents want to protect their children from as much as they can for as long as they can. In addition to car seats, baby gates, and proper nutrition, vaccinations are critical to ensuring the health and safety of families everywhere. If your family needs immunizations in Chantilly, HealthSmartVaccines can help. HealthSmartVaccines has been protecting families at home and on the road since 2006. Their philosophy is simple: Protect the people you care about by getting vaccinations for preventable diseases.

Here are three reasons to vaccinate your family at HealthSmartVaccines:

The Right Vaccine Can Save Your Life: Thanks to vaccinations, fatal diseases like polio have essentially been eradicated in the United States; however, some diseases are still prevalent in other parts of the world. For that reason, HealthSmartVaccines has a Yellow Fever Center and provides consultations and travel vaccines to world travelers.

Vaccines Protect Future Generations: Immunizations are not just for children, and it’s important that your whole family stays up-to-date on their vaccinations. If you do so, you can help protect future generations eradicate certain diseases. You can find the current CDC recommendations for adults on the HealthSmartVaccines website.
Vaccines Protect Those Around You: Parents, grandparents, nannies, teachers, and others who spend a lot of time around children are protecting more than just themselves when they get vaccinated. Researchers have attributed the increase in childhood pertussis to adults transferring it to children. HealthSmartVaccines now offers a vaccine approved for adults called Tdap, which protects against pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus.

Whether you’re planning your next travel adventure or just want to keep your family safe, HealthSmartVaccines can take care of you. They offer consultations to help clients decide which vaccinations are right for them. Call HealthSmartVaccines today to discuss your immunizations by calling (703) 961-0733.

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May 10

Time To Get Your Flu Shot

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

Getting a slow start to “flu season”…not entirely unusual…. as we saw in 2013, CDC reported an alarming rise in cases of the flu. The actual map of surveillance can be seen on the CDC website. It is never too late to get your flu shot. Especially true for new parents; newborns have little immunity and can be extraordinarily vulnerable to complications of the flu. Also, if you live with an immunocompromised person, if you care for children, elderly or ill people, its important to protect yourself AND them from the flu virus. Air, land and sea travelers have constant exposure to all virus’, especially the seasonal flu! The pesky virus is spread via droplets from the respiratory system of the infected person by coughing, sneezing, into the air, on to their hands and other surfaces within 5-6 feet of another individual. The virus affects the next victim, you, within 1-4 days! Next thing YOU know, you have sudden aches and pains all over, maybe a fever, a dry cough, sore throat and just want to crawl into a corner for a couple of days of sleep!

Pneumonia, a complication from having the flu, can be potentially deadly for the medically fragile population such as those who live with chronic disease that are still in the work force, surgical patients, cardiac and respiratory compromised persons, the elderly, diabetics, infants and children, just to name a few. Whether these folks are readily identified or not, its a good idea to protect ourselves and those around us. Its affordable, available, safe and highly recommended! Contact us at www.HealthSmartVaccines.com and get your flu shot. If you already have, well, thanks for protecting us both!