The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu shots for anyone over six months of age to prevent contracting the illness and spreading it to other people. According to the agency, having a flu shot is especially important for people who are very young or elderly and for those who have other conditions that place them at risk for developing flu-related complications; this includes people with kidney or liver conditions and those with cardiovascular and lung ailments.
Following your shot, you may have temporary soreness at the injection site, and some patients report a general achiness that occurs as your body ramps up its production of natural antibodies to ward off the flu. This is a natural consequence of the shot and is not an indication that you're becoming ill. It typically lasts no more than a couple of days if it occurs at all. A very few patients may be allergic to the flu shot ingredients. Allergic reactions, though rare, tend to occur most commonly from vaccines that use eggs as part of their manufacturing process. If you're allergic to eggs, tell your doctor so you can receive an egg-free version of the flu shot.
The flu shot is extremely effective in preventing the flu, but it is not 100 percent effective. The efficacy level of your flu shot will depend on your health, whether the shot your receive “matches” the type of flu to which you're exposed, and your age.
Nasal sprays typically are recommended only for young children and the elderly, but in some cases, they may be used in other adults as well. Ask Dr. Leitner which type you should receive.
We accept most PPO insurance plans in addition to Medicare, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CIGNA, Aetna. Below is a short-list of just some of the plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed below.
