Kyle Hunt
Children and belonephobics dread flu season—not because they’re afraid of getting sick, but because they’re terrified of the vaccine needle. There are four good reasons why people each fall should face their fears, find a flu clinic at a hospital or volunteering medical assisting college in Utah, and get a flu shot.
Two types of flu vaccines exist on the market today, an “inactivated” injection with dead virus, and a nasal spray that contains live, but weakened, virus. Both administration methods have been approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some concerns have arisen that the trace amounts of thimerosal (which is a form of mercury used to preserve the vaccine) cause autism; however, no convincing evidence supports this theory.
Influenza can fatally affect children, the elderly, pregnant women and individuals with chronic illnesses that weaken their immune systems (such as HIV or certain cancers). Pregnant women who develop the flu are put at greater risk for premature delivery. Doctors and their medical assistants with degrees from a Utah medical assisting college prescribe that all people receive a flu vaccination each fall.
The flu has been known to result in pneumonia in at-risk individuals, including children and individuals with chronic lung disease, asthma or diabetes, pregnant women and adults over the age of 65. Pneumonia is caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and although the flu vaccine has been engineered to only fight off a virus, getting a yearly flu vaccine can protect susceptible individuals against complications.
Apart from a hospital, pharmacy or doctor’s office, flu clinics are sometimes set up at retail stores, local businesses and even schools. Students at nursing schools and medical assisting colleges in Utah often volunteer their services to help administer the vaccine to the public.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, consider applying at Ameritech College. AmeriTech College specializes in health care education in the medical, dental, fitness, and nursing fields.
