Premium Essay

Flu Shot Research Paper

Submitted By
Words 728
Pages 3
The flu shot, in short, is a vaccine which is supposed to provide immunity to a variety of influenza viruses but has been failing to do so in recent years. It's been one of the toughest flu seasons in years. Some people are at risk of catching the virus, even if they got a flu shot. "But how does that happen?" You may be asking. "Every year, it's a bit of a guessing game to decide what strain of the virus gets put into the vaccines," Dr. Mark Rupp, who works at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said.

"In order to decide which strain of the virus to inset into the vaccine, researchers look at what strains of influenza are prominent in the Southern Hemisphere. This allows them to be more accurate when trying to predict how to handle …show more content…
If your immune system is weak or out of balance when the virus is introduced this way, you could have serious health consequences. Also, there are controversial additives that have been used for years in seasonal flu shots. The most well-known is thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that has been associated with brain and immune system dysfunction. Most of flu shots each contain 25mcg of this …show more content…
2) A large-scale, systematic review of 51 studies published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that the flu vaccine was no more effective for children then a placebo. 3) Research published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine similarly reports that vaccination coverage among the elderly has increased from 15% in 1980 to 65% today. Pregnant women can get flu shots

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Flu Shot Research Paper

...Flu shot Influenza, most commonly known as the flu, is an upper respiratory infection that causes illness and in many cases complications. Nobody even scientists know exactly how the influenza virus was originated. However scientists have concluded that by some means, it began in travelling waterfowl like wild geese and ducks. The flu virus is categorized into three groups: A, B and C. A is the most serious and common, and can cause large epidemics. B is less severe and will usually not cause large epidemics. C on the other hand is the mildest. It doesn’t cause an epidemic, though it is similar to the common cold. The flu infects the throat, nose, lungs and bronchial tubes, and can result in pneumonia. If you feel tired and sluggish, your...

Words: 466 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Literature Review Influenza

...covering your cough, and good health habits will prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory diseases. It is onset by chills, fatigue, high fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches are some sign or symptoms of influenza often referred to as the flu. The incubation period is one to four days. Each year, influenza causes a significant increase in illness and death. In the elderly, children, patients with chronic illness and immune compromised disease. Once in a while the influenza changes to a severe disease. In the early 1900 there was a pandemic that killed approximately 20,000,000 people. Scientist later discovered the bacterial that causes the virus by testing the blood. Today physicians are able to keep the bacterial infections under control with antibiotics. In 2009 the swine flu epidemic caused illness, stole lives and flashed a light on health care workers to get mandatory influenza vaccinations. Some institutions, for the first time, implemented policies for mandatory influenza vaccines for health care workers due to the escalation of the swine flu epidemic. This paper will evaluate the background of influenza vaccination of health care workers, the ethical debate, and the legal issues. The following research was found online in the PubMed database and from Google. Body Section One: Background of Influenza Vaccination of Health Care Workers This section covers the history of influenza vaccination of health care workers. The articles...

Words: 2189 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Influenza

...Communicable Diseases: Influenza Jena M. Gilbert Grand Canyon University: NRS-427V February 10, 2016 Communicable Diseases: Influenza This paper will discuss the communicable disease process of Influenza or otherwise known as Flu in common terms. Herein will discuss what Influenza is, in what ways Influenza effects the infected and what we as heath care workers can do when dealing with this virus. Influenza otherwise known as the flu is a respiratory illness, contrary to the misconception of the flu being a stomach bug. The flu is caused by a virus and when contracted can show a wide range of symptoms mild to severe and has even been known to cause death. There are three types of Influenza viruses, A, B and C. In humans, influenza A and B viruses are what commonly effects people and is known to cause seasonal epidemics, while Influenza C is generally known to cause much milder respiratory symptoms and not known to become as widespread. Both Influenza A and B have numerous varying strains that cause the Influenza infection. (“Types of Influenza Viruses|Seasonal Influenza(Flu) | CDC,” 2014). Influenza can infect and cause a disease process in any and all age groups. Typically Influenza is more commonly seen at higher rates in children, particularly school aged children. Severe illness and death related to influenza is more commonly seen in ages two and under, sixty five years of age and older or in individuals with primary medical conditions as well as immunocompromised...

Words: 1592 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Adn to Bsn

... In 1951, Mildred Montag introduced a 2-year degree program (ADN), which trained the nurses for “intermediate functions requiring skill and some judgment” (Schank & Stollenwerk, 1988). In Montag’s curriculum, the role of nurse was focused on clinical skills and mostly task oriented. Due to the advanced education, a BSN graduate varies from a ADN graduate, in that they are well equipped to have a broader scope of practice, better comprehension of the culture, economic and public health issues that impact the patients. According to the American Association of College of Nursing (2012), nurses prepared at the BSN level, tend to have lower mortality rates, scarcer medication errors, and encouraging outcomes (Fact Sheet, 2012). In this paper, nursing judgment on patient care situations will be the differentiated between ADN and BSN competencies, which regard to the three major factors only required within BSN education: leadership/management, critical thinking and public health nursing. The art of leadership/management in nursing consist of the ability to communicate with staff and to recognize new resources that can be utilized to enhance patient care. A BSN graduate acquires leadership qualities such as motivating, inspiring, delegating and influencing the staff. According to the analysis findings of “ Nursing Education,” when differentiating BSN graduates and...

Words: 1272 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Public Health Epidemiology Paper

...Epidemiology paper Grand Canyon University 09/13/15 Influenza is a viral type of infection. Most people refer to it as the “flu”. Many also think of it as a stomach flu or cold. Actual influenza is much different. Influenza virus is not a virus that usually causes diarrhea or vomiting. The influenza virus can spread to other individuals up to 6 feet away. People spread droplets in their respiratory secretions through talking, coughing and sneezing. Influenza can also be spread by touching a surface with a droplet on it and then touching your nose or mouth. There are also several types of animals that can carry influenza virus. Influenza takes a few days for individuals to have signs and symptoms. Because of this influenza can be passed to other people before a person know that they are ill. Influenza can be an A or B virus. Each year there can be different types of strains of the virus that come in fall and winter time. Most average healthy people will get better from influenza without difficulties. There are a group of individuals who are more at risk for complications than others. Woman who are pregnant, the elderly, those with immunity problems and the young. When you visit your doctor, urgent care or Emergency Room they can order an influenza test that is just a quick nasal swab. The results can be obtained fairly quickly. In the ER where I work we keep a copy of all influenza A and B results. These are sent to the public health nurse. According to the CDC, “Mortality...

Words: 958 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Mandatory Flu Vaccine

...Immunization is a very controversial topic including the issue of mandatory flu vaccination for front-line health care workers. Health care workers are the front-line workers to whom patients are first exposed to during the initial encounter to medical system. Influenza is commonly referred to as the seasonal flu which strikes 5% to 15% of the world’s population with approximately 3 to 5 million severe cases of illness which leads to 250000 to 500000 deaths annually (World Health Organization [WHO], 2014). In addition, hospital acquired influenza has a 16% mortality rate which increases to 60% in high-risk population groups (Cortes-Penfield, 2014). Specifically in Canada, the average rate of influenza infection is 10% to 20% of the population...

Words: 2448 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Clinical Situations In Nursing Care

...Clinical Situations Position Paper Kelli B. Teems University of West Georgia Professional Nursing Concepts (Nurs 4102) Professor J. Wilder, MSN, NP-C April 7, 2015 Part 4 – Immunity and Health Policy Vaccination has been known to provide immunity to a variety of illnesses, including influenza. To minimize influenza-related deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that vulnerable people and health care workers (HCW) be vaccinated against influenza annually (van den Dool, Bont, Hak, Heijne & Wallinga, 2008). A topic of debate between HCWs and healthcare facilities is the discussion over whether annual influenza shots should be mandatory. Multiple studies have been completed to determine if the benefits are substantial enough...

Words: 731 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Evidence-Based Practice

...According to Polit and Beck (2014), “Evidence-based practice, broadly defined, is the use of the best evidence in making patient care decisions, and such evidence typically comes from research conducted by nurses and other health care professionals” (p. 2). I am aware of evidence-based practice (ebp) and realize how important it is in nursing research. In order to have better patient health care outcomes, it is important to have research evidence that is proven to be effective. Randomized controlled trials and research in general, is detrimental to advancing the care of patients to reduce the severity of many illnesses. Personally, I do not have experience with evidence-based practice to my knowledge. However, by working as a nurse day to...

Words: 404 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Influenza in the Elder

...Influenza in the Elderly Julia Ford, Debbie Garris, Lisa Harper, and Monica Jackson December 20, 2011 Mamie Williams Influenza in the Elderly The Influenza Pandemic of 1918 was responsible for the deaths of more than 50 million people worldwide and is known as a national disaster (CDC, 2011). Even with historical facts about influenza and how easily it is spread, some still refuse to receive the vaccination. Myths and misconceptions about the flu vaccine is the main reason that people refuse to take the flu vaccination. Some of the myths surrounding why people will not take the influenza vaccine include the flu shot can cause the flu, healthy people do not require the influenza vaccine, and the vaccination is a government experiment. Another myth is that working around sick people causes flu immunity. The elderly is one of many populations vulnerable to influenza. Epidemiology as it relates to influenza in the elderly is the topic of discussion for this paper. This paper will make use of the Epidemiological Triangle to explain the disease process of influenza, prevention of the disease, and evaluation of prevention. Definition and Description of Epidemiology Stanhope and Lancanster defines epidemiology as “the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to control of health problems” (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2008, p. 243)...

Words: 2784 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

The Use of Vaccines

...THE USE OF VACCINES Vaccines have been considered instrumental in making the world a healthier environment for children and adults alike; however, vaccines do impose some health risks.  It is important for all parents to consider both the benefits and risks of vaccines when deciding whether or not to have a child vaccinated. Vaccines are made up of products that stimulate a person’s immune system to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting the person from that disease. They are usually administered through needle injections by mouth or sprayed into the nose. They are made up of small amounts of weakened or dead versions of bacteria, viruses, or other antigens that stimulate the immune system to create antibodies that prevent future infections from the disease. There are fourteen vaccine-preventable diseases that are considered potentially serious and have been routinely vaccinated against; these are: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Meningococcal, Rotavirus, Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio, Hepatitis A and B, Pneumococcal disease, Varicella (Chicken Pox), and Haemophilus Influenza Type B (HIB disease). Not long ago, these diseases disabled and killed millions of American children but because of the United States high compliance with childhood immunization schedules, these diseases have now become very uncommon (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2015).  Immunization is a subject that evokes very strong opinions...

Words: 1426 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Ethical Issues of Human Resource Management in Health Care Managment

...ETHICAL ISSUES OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN HEALTH CARE MANAGMENT HIRA TOOR HCAD 660 11/01/2015 TURN-IT-IN SCORE: 13% Total paper content: 18 pages Abstract This paper deals with ethical issues encountered by human resource managers in various healthcare settings. The ethical problems that the paper highlights includes issues related to overworked employees, employee discrimination, disabled worker disparities, age-related employee discrimination, difficulties in maintaining employee relations, problems with downsizing workforce, workplace bullying, conflict of interest and compliance issues. The research paper also gives recommendations on how to maintain an ethical environment by: hiring of adequate staff, conducting fair employment testing, rewarding disabled employees, educating on age-discrimination, creating a diverse workforce, communicating to build employee relationships, executing a strategic plan to mitigate bullying and presenting fair judgments. The paper also address issues associated with ethics of flu shots, employment hurdles of medical marijuana patients, inequality of women’s compensation and safety hazards of employees. In conclusion, my personal experience with ethical issues at laurel regional hospital is discussed. Introduction: The human resource department is the heart of every healthcare organization. The human resource functions deals with variety of ethical challenges on daily basis. Human resource includes...

Words: 5845 - Pages: 24

Premium Essay

Bcom 275 Article Rebuttal

...Christine MacRae BCOM 275 February 23, 2015 Lloyd Krieger Article Rebuttal According to an article found on the Natural News website, vaccines are one of the primary contributing factors related to increased rates of autism. (Adams, 2014) The article goes on to provide supporting quotes from various authors on the subject. Of those supporting quotes, some claim that a preservative called thimerosal found in vaccines, such as the flu shot, is the culprit. Another author’s method of persuasion was rhetoric in their comparison of the ‘dangerous’ vaccines to faulty tires. Despite the many claims that vaccines are to blame and the growing hysteria in parents against vaccines, there has been no hard evidence supplied to support these claims. The frenzy surrounding vaccinations began when Dr. Andrew Wakefield wrote a counterfeit research paper claiming that there was a link between the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccines and autism. The doctor has since been discredited as he was paid over $700,000 by an interested party, to falsify his research and findings in a related lawsuit against the vaccine’s manufacturer. (Salahi, ABC News, 2011) However, even after Dr. Wakefield’s claim has been proven to be false and lack any supporting evidence, there are still those who cannot be convinced otherwise. Years later, there is still a substantial following of parents who believe that vaccines stand to do more harm than good in regards to their children’s health. Hearsay has been...

Words: 507 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Vaccines

...Vaccines: The Right Choice? Alex Hauke Walmart Pharmacy Abstract This research paper takes an in depth look at the question of whether vaccines are the right choice when it comes to your health and staying healthy. Opposing views say that vaccines are unsafe and pose more risks than benefits, this paper explores those claims using rebuttable sources and helps readers to better understand vaccines and what their benefits and risks are. Most believe that the benefits of vaccines far outweigh the risks but some still have doubts and some very rare cases of vaccines causing disease have added to this doubt. This paper explores the world of vaccines in an effort to educate the less knowledgeable. Research Findings Introduction The history of vaccines begins with the long history of infectious disease in humans, and usually it is reported that the origin goes back as far as Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, 400 B.C. He described diphtheria, mumps, and epidemic jaundice among other conditions (Hussein, et al. 2015). The earliest methods of immunization and protection against smallpox dates back to about 1000 A.D., and are attributed to the Chinese. It has been said that the son of a Chinese statesmen was inoculated against smallpox by blowing powdered smallpox sores into his nostrils. Another way of inoculation was the removal of fluid from the sores of an infected person and then rubbing it into a cut or scratch of a healthy individual. It took almost six centuries...

Words: 2724 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Should Vaccines Be Required for Children?

...Should Vaccines Be Required for Children? Terry J. Vervenne DeVry University Should Vaccines Be Required for Children? Shots, inoculations, vaccines, do children need them? This is the issue that needs to be discussed. Why are vaccines a necessity of current times? Even though vaccines may have some side effects, they have saved many lives as everyone already knows. They prevent many types of diseases and stop the spread of others. Just image having to send your children to school that’s filled with other children carrying diseases and viruses. Viruses such as small pox, measles, and mumps that could invade your child’s body which in most circumstances will then be brought home and spread to other family members. Therefore, every child in America needs to be vaccinated before beginning school because vaccines can prevent disease, save lives, and alleviate sick days at school. Firstly, many of these contagious diseases in children are preventable. Many of the viruses that cause diseases such as measles, mumps, or small pox are very dangerous. Sometimes the symptoms are very mild or not even noticed. While other times the symptoms can be severe, possibly even leaving a residual effect. For example, as everyone knows, if an adult male contracts mumps, this may cause sterility. Another example is polio, although preventable, once this disease is contracted it can lead to permanent muscle weakness. Once someone contracts one of these types of disease, it can possibly be fatal...

Words: 2597 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

History

...Reviewed? Yes What words did you use to find this article? Abuse What type of article is this (research, summary, reflection, essay, etc.)? Summary Did this article include an abstract? Yes Summarize the article (75 to 100 words) Childhood sexual abuse is a social problem in the healthcare arena. A lot of children who have endured sexual abuse in their lives, usually have long term psychological, behavior, or social effects. The National Child Abuse Data estimates that at least over 700,000 children were victims of abuse or neglect in the U.S. A national survey conducted during the periods of 2001 to 2003 documented that 1 in 15 adults in U.S experienced forced sex in their lifetime. In women sexual abuse is related to poor health, gynecological and gastrointestinal symptoms. But for men physical health and functional impairment is what seem to be underlining issue. Childhood Sexual Abuse is usually associated with anxiety, depression, and mood swings. While tackling the effects on the Childhood Sexual Abuse, begin to make changes in the way they parented their in order to protect them abuse. Source 2 Author: Coleman Smith, Virginia Date: 2/2/13 Title: The Reluctance of Women to Respond to Preterm Labor Publication: 4/2012 Peer Reviewed? Yes What words did you use to find this article? Infant What type of article is this (research, summary, reflection, essay, etc.)? Research Did this article include an abstract? Preterm birth occurs before 37 weeks gestation and...

Words: 1179 - Pages: 5