health Archives | HealthSmartVaccines

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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May 31

What You Need to Know About the Zika Virus From Chantilly’s Vaccination Experts

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

Getting a mosquito bite while you’re relaxing on a beach can be more than just annoying—it can be dangerous. Scientists are now connecting the Zika virus, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, with rises in a serious birth defect and a rare autoimmune disorder. At HealthSmartVaccines, the healthcare professionals are committed to keeping travelers protected against mosquito-transmitted diseases in Africa, South America, and Central America.

zika

For nearly 10 years, HealthSmartVaccines has been the leading provider of vaccinations for adults age 18 and older in the Chantilly, Virginia, area. A CDC-approved Yellow Fever Center, the healthcare providers at HealthSmartVaccines offer four essential facts you need to know about the Zika virus:

The Virus Is Spread By Mosquito Bites And By Sex: The Zika virus is most commonly spread when a mosquito bites a person with an infection and then bites others. However, the first case of locally acquired Zika in the United States was passed when an individual had sex with a partner who had recently contracted the mosquito-borne virus while in Venezuela.
The Symptoms Are Mild: About 80% of people who become infected don’t experience any symptoms. People who do exhibit symptoms notice fever and rash, muscle and joint pain, headaches, pain behind the eyes, and conjunctivitis. Symptoms last anywhere from two to seven days. Although no treatment is available, the fever and pain can be managed by over-the-counter medications.
It Is Linked to Serious Conditions: Although only one in five people will get sick from a Zika infection, the virus is linked to other serious conditions. Following an infection in adults, there are higher rates of Guillain-Barré syndrome, and in pregnant women, the virus can cause birth defects, including microcephaly.
You Can Protect Yourself: Because there is no vaccine, the experts at HealthSmartVaccines recommend avoiding travel to areas with active infestation. If you must travel to a country where Zika is present, the healthcare professionals recommend using an EPA-approved repellent, wearing long pants and long-sleeve shirts, and sleeping in screened rooms. Pregnant women should not travel to countries where Zika is active.

Because unborn babies are most at risk from Zika virus complications, scientists are working to develop a vaccine for women of reproductive age to prevent birth defects. HealthSmartVaccines offers other travel related immunizations such a typhoid (oral and injected), hepatitis A and B in a single shot given three times over 6 months, polio, and yellow fever among others. We also provide advise on protecting yourself against mosquito bites, how to to chose the best travel insurance plan for your trip and other services.

The most important things you can do to protect yourself from mosquito-borne viruses, including Zika, malaria, and yellow fever, are to be aware of the risks in countries you’re traveling to, avoid high-risk areas, stock up on insect repellent supplies, and stay up to date with your vaccines.

For more information about the Zika virus, yellow fever, and malaria prevention, visit the HealthSmartVaccines website, or call the clinic at (703) 961-0733.

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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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Feb 23

3 Travel Health Tips From Chantilly’s Best Travel Vaccines Clinic

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

Planning an international trip can be a thrilling endeavor. But before you embark on your next journey, take a moment to think about your overall health and wellness so you stay protected. That’s where HealthSmartVaccines in Chantilly, Virginia comes in. As the area’s leading source for travel vaccines, travel insurance, and immunizations, they have helped hundreds of travelers prepare for their adventures. If you’re planning your next trip, here are three travel health tips from the travel prep pros at HealthSmartVaccines:

Do Your Research: Once your trip is booked, it’s important to dive in and do your research. Will you be experiencing unsanitary conditions? Are you traveling to a country or area with a high risk of yellow fever, malaria, or other contagious diseases? Check for advisories and updates on government websites and schedule your travel vaccines and immunizations as needed to properly protect yourself. Always schedule your travel vaccines at least one month before your travel date.
Stock a First Aid Kit: If your adventure involves camping, outdoor activities, or the exploration of undeveloped areas, don’t forget to pack a proper first aid kit. Having important items in case of emergency like bandages, bug spray, pain medication, motion sickness pills, and anti-bacterial ointment is essential. If you have allergies to bees or certain foods, don’t forget to pack an Epipen.
Consume Water Carefully: If your adventure is taking you to a third-world country, be cautious when consuming water. Try to stick to bottled water for safety. Avoid ordering ice cubes in your drinks and if you’re enjoying a beverage like tea, order it hot instead of iced. If you’re not in a position to consume bottled water, be sure to bring along water purification tablets.

If you live in the Chantilly, Virginia area and you’re looking for a top-notch clinic that offers travel vaccines and travel insurance, call HealthSmartVaccines today at (703) 961-0733 to schedule your next appointment.

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Jan 22

Vaccinations & Immunizations Explained by HeathSmartVaccines in Chantilly

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

The friendly and knowledgeable staff at HealthSmartVaccines in Chantilly, Virginia, is here to help you understand some common vaccines and why they are so important. From workplace flu shots and clinics to travel vaccines, HealthSmartVaccines is committed to keeping the community safe and well-informed.

Here are some things you might not know about vaccinations and immunizations:

TDaP Vaccine: TDaP is a vaccine that protects against three bacterial diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, or whooping cough. Most people get the TDaP vaccine when they are 11 or 12. TDaP is especially important for non-immunized adults who are around infants and young children as well as health care professionals because the vaccine protects newborns from whooping cough. If it has been a while since you’ve received the TDaP immunization, it might be time for a booster shot. HealthSmartVaccines recommends updating these every 10 years.

Hepatitis Vaccines: There are two types of hepatitis vaccines: Hepatitis A, which protects against the hepatitis A virus, and Hepatitis B, which protects against the hepatitis B virus. Children between the ages of 12 months and 23 months should be immunized with both vaccines. Depending on your international travel plans and current health status, HealthSmartVaccines might recommend getting these immunizations again. For adults who need to be vaccinated, ask HealthSmartVaccines about Twinrix, which combines the Hepatitis A and B vaccines.

MMR Vaccine: The MMR vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. MMR is recommended for all children. In most states, it is actually a school requirement. HealthSmartVaccines recommends everyone born in 1957 or later receive this vaccine as well.

HealthSmartVaccines provides all approved vaccines for adults. The health care professionals can answer any questions you might have about what vaccines or immunizations you should get. For more information, visit the HealthSmartVaccines website, or call them at (703) 961-0733 to learn more about flu shots and clinics in the Chantilly, Virginia, area.

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