Flu Shots

Thinking about getting a flu shot? You may want to think again. They may not be as effective as you might have thought. The flu shot is only effective when the correct strains are matched in the shot with the virus that is circulating. Even when the strains are matched the effectiveness is not 100%. Each year the virus changes. These changes occur in processes are known as antigenic drift or antigenic shift. (To learn more about these check out http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/change.htm). A person needs to get a flu shot every year in order to be protected. If you do choose to get vaccinated there are two ways: an injection with the killed virus, or a nasal spray that contains live viruses that are weakened. The chances that the virus a person is being injected with matched the virus of that year are slim, but if you like to be on the safe side take the chance!

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/virusqa.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/flu-viruses.htm#viruschange

24 Hour Flu?

Think you might just have a 24 hour bug? Think again. Many people suffer from food poisoning and just put it off thinking it's a bug. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and diarrhea; sounds like the flu right? Food poisoning can come on quickly after eating food and last for only 24-48 hours, or can last more than a week with worsening symptoms.
Food poisoning can be caused by either infectious or toxic agents. infectious agents include parasites, bacteria and viruses. There are more than 250 diseases that are able to be transmitted through foods. Toxic agents are improperly preapared exoctic foods, poisonous mushrooms, or pesticides on fruits and vegetables. Food can become contaminted through improper cooking, handling and preparation, also from the preparer not washing their hands after using the bathroom, or having an infection themselves.
Prevention at home is easy: prepare and store foods properly! Cooks meats to proper temperatures and store all foods at correct temperatures. Prevention is a little harder when eating out. You can choose restaurants that have been recently inspected, (scores can be looked up online), and choose certain foods that are typically safe. Asking for foods to be cooked to a specific temperature is also an option.
Treatment includes keeping hydrated and eating a bland diet. If symptoms last for more than two days, consult a doctor.

http://injury.findlaw.com/food-poisoning/food-poisoning-prevention/prevention-restaurants.html
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/f/food_poisoning/prevent.htm
http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/676/main.html
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/food_poisoning/article_em.htm