At amafluhelp.org, you can also sign up for a scheduled health session to receive expert guidance. If you choose, you may invite your family or physician online as part of your health team. Amafluhelp.org is compatible with Microsoft’s HeathVault, allowing you to store personal medical information and connect to your pharmacy.

The site does require free registration, but you may also take it for a spin drive before registering with the AMA’s Adult Self Assessment for H1N1 flu. While the website does allow doctors to communicate with patients, the doctors still can’t prescribe medications online, though that may change in the future.

While amafluhelp.org will be helpful for patients with flu-related questions, it’s important to keep in mind that the website won’t be helpful for other conditions, such as infections that might respond to antibiotics.

Have you tried amafluhelp.org to assess your risk for flu or to gain other flu-related information?

(Image via stock.xchng)

Post from: Blisstree

AMA Flu Help Online

Researchers in Buffalo, NY, looked at the reasons why older African Americans may be reluctant to get a flu shot and they found several factors:

• Many thought that vaccines provided life-long immunity, not just a few months
• It wasn’t understood by many that there were different forms of influenza, which is why vaccines change from year to year
• Some think the vaccine causes the flu
• 75% had been vaccinated against influenza at some time in their life
• 50% had a flu vaccine last year

There is also a distrust among the older population because of the history of vaccinations and studies from the government and mistreatment of their community. This may be the hardest part to fight because once trust is lost, it’s harder to regain then getting it in the first place.

Learning this information shows researchers that it’s important that influenza and influenza vaccine information be targeted to the areas of the population that need it most. The only way to increase compliance is through education.

~~~

Source: Despite risk, older African-Americans more likely than others to avoid flu vaccine

Image: PhotoXpress.com

Post from: Blisstree

Many Older African Americans Avoid Flu Shot

Health officials warn, however, that even though the H1N1 virus has maintained its composition, it doesn’t mean that it is any less serious of a disease. It can still put you in the hospital and in some cases, can kill. But with the vaccine hopefully these instances will be much fewer.

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Good News: H1N1 Has Not Genetically Changed

British researchers found that the flu may assist in triggering heart attacks, and it may account for a 35 to 50% increase in heart attack deaths during flu season. The research was published in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Additional past research reviewed in the current study found that people vaccinated against seasonal influenza were not as likely to experience a heart attack. The American Heart Association recommends that people who have cardiovascular disease should receive an annual flu vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 21 states are currently reporting widespread influenza activity. To help reduce flu spread, the US Dept. of Health and Human Services suggests that sick individuals should stay home for seven days after symptoms begin or until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.

For CDC guidelines on who should get the H1N1 vaccine, visit flu.gov.

(Image of sputnum via Wikimedia Commons/CDC)

Post from: Blisstree

Heart Attacks Triggered by Flu

CVS will offer 100,000 free seasonal flu shots (approx $3 million value) those who are job hunting. They are also offering low cost vaccinations at no-appointment walk in clinics throughout the United States. Walgreens, which also provides low-cost vaccinations, will provide $1 million worth of vaccinations to those who are unemployed.

Although not free, Rite Aid Corp is offering seasonal vaccinations beginning today and Walmart will be starting in mid-September. If you go to this Walmart site, you can put in your zip code to see if a store near you is participating. For Rite Aid’s schedule and prices, check out their web site.

Vaccinations are important; they can and do save lives.

~~~~~

Image: Newscom.com

Post from: Blisstree

Free Flu Shots for Unemployed/Uninsured

Part of this preparation is making sure that the world has enough vaccines against the flu. Earlier this month, the United States FDA has approved a new manufacturing facility that will produce flu vaccines. Initially, it will be for the seasonal vaccine, but may be used to make a vaccine against the H1N1 influenza strain that is currently worrying the experts.

The press release doesn’t say where in the US the facility will be, but it is owned by sanofi pasteur, and will be used for the production of Fluzone, an egg-based influenza vaccine.

~~~~~

Source: FDA.gov

Image: Newscom.com

Post from: Blisstree

New US Facility to Produce More Flu Vaccine

In case you were wondering, this is not the same swine flu of three-plus decades ago, according to MSNBC. If you had that vaccine – or even your annual flu shot just months ago – you should not consider yourself immune. Check the MSNBC story for for more FAQs on the swine flu. 

Video & screenshot, Fandome Dude

Post from: Blisstree

Swine Flu PSA – 1970s Revisited?

Stay away from people with symptoms, practice good handwashing, don’t use your hands to cover a cough or sneeze (use your sleeve, instead) and keeping your hands away from your face is good advice, and practicing good health habits such as proper rest and nutrition can hel you remain healthy as well.

Of course, another important way to protect yourself from the flu is to get a flu shot and especially make sure that any senior friends or relatives get theirs as well.

The flu can be serious, don’t fall for these common myths, the shot will not give you the flu nor make you sick.

Learn more about the flu shot from the CDC.

Post from: Blisstree

It’s flu season, protect yourself and others