On average, a computer keyboard, ATM, and dirty office desks carry around more infectious agents than toilet seats. Shaking hands or hand contact with different surfaces (doorknobs, keyboards, touchscreens) are the most common spread of infectious diseases, so it is important that many individuals know the proper way to wash their hands.

As many students start school around this time and the holiday season approaches, we also enter the season when many airborne infections are more contagious. Every year, these secondary infections cause thousands of health concerns in hospitals. These infections can be found in schools, workplaces, and even your own homes. Most people who catch these illnesses end up with cold symptoms such as cough, fever, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea, and headaches. However, older or immunocompromised folks are at increased risk of developing life-threatening symptoms and require hospitalization. Family Medicine, Dr. Tiffany Phon shares a few tips to keep yourself and your loved one safe during this season and prevent spreading infections.

Here are a few tips from Dr. Phon:

• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, especially in public areas.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often.
• Avoid touching your face. Often, people can become sick from bringing germs on their hands in contact with their eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Ensure good ventilation. Keep indoor air healthy by keeping it moving! Open windows, air conditioning, swamp coolers, and fans are great ways to keep air flowing.
• Get vaccinated! Everyone should get their flu vaccine each year as well as stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. You can also encourage your loved ones over 60 to get the RSV vaccine.
• If you come across someone that has COVID, continue to do the above, as well as get tested accordingly. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has a great step-by-step guide. You can read more about it here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/if-you-were-exposed.html

Learning and promoting ways to prevent infection helps improve the general health of people around the world. Good health is essential to human happiness and well-being which contributes to prosperity and economic growth. Healthy populations are significantly more productive allowing many to live longer and have better quality of life.

If you come in contact with any infectious disease, consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Phon or any of our family medicine specialists. Contact us at 1-844-827-8000 or submit an online appointment form to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment.

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

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National Immunization Awareness Month is observed every August to raise the importance of routine vaccinations for children, adults, and elders of all ages. During this month, many public health organizations, healthcare professionals, and communities come together to promote vaccines' roles in preventing infections, for safety and public health. By emphasizing the importance of vaccines, National Immunization Awareness Month strives to help communities protect themselves from diseases, disorders and promote a healthier world. 

Are vaccines safe?

Most vaccines are commonly safe because they are put through many months of trials and safety checks before they are approved and released to the public. Every authorized vaccine must be tested and evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and then will be monitored. After monitoring, it is often tested in labs through clinical trials that start with around 50 volunteers depending on the vaccine, this may take several months or even years. After trials are over, each batch that comes out is continued to be tested making sure it is potent, pure, and sterile.  Even after releasing it to the public, many who have received the vaccine are monitored and adjustments are made as needed afterward. 

What are the risks and benefits of vaccines?

Some common risks of a vaccine are mild side effects such as soreness and fever and very low chances of an allergic reaction or serious side effects such as inability to breathe and death. However, the chance of death and major side effects is 2:1 million chance. There are many more benefits such as prevention and protection against many infectious for yourself and your loved ones. Vaccines prevent 2-3 million deaths per year and you can make sure that one of those is your life. 

What are the common side effects of vaccines?

Many side effects are a sign that your body is building immunity to fight against any disease. Some common side effects may include pain and swelling at the injection site, mild fever, chills, and muscle aches.  The risk of a major infection or death is highly unlikely, if 1 million doses of a vaccine are given, there is a chance that only 1-2 people may have a major side effect that includes difficulty breathing, swelling, rashes, or an increased heart rate. If you experience any of the major side effects, please dial 911. 

Why are multiple doses needed for each vaccine?

Receiving multiple doses of a vaccine is often for your own safety to maximize your ability to receive full immunity from the vaccine. Having one dose may not guarantee the full protection as two doses would. Many viruses are constantly changing as well so it is important to stay up to date with new vaccines. 

Should I get the flu vaccine?

It is very important for you and your loved one to get the flu vaccine every year. The flu is a contagious respiratory disease that leads to severe illness, hospitalization, and sometimes even death. With the flu vaccine, you can protect yourself from the flu, decreasing your chances of getting sick and any likelihood of hospitalization. The flu vaccine has also been connected to preventing or lowering the chances of heart disease. Flu viruses are always changing and adapting to humans so it is important to get the flu shot every year so that your body has the right resources to fight any illness. Flu vaccines are offered in many doctors' offices and clinics, pharmacies, and stores such as Target. Make sure to get your vaccine this flu season. 

More information:

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam/index.html

https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/basics/safety/side-effects/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/general/strong-defense-against-flu.pdf

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

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What’s New?

According to the CDC, all influenza vaccines for the 2022-2023 season are quadrivalent vaccines. This means that they protect against four different flu viruses which include two influenza A viruses as well as two influenza B viruses. 

Additionally, there are many options to choose which flu vaccine you would like and how you you would like to get your vaccine:

For more information on the type of vaccines and eligibility requirements visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/flushot.htm 

To schedule an appointment to receive your flu shot at UCR Health, click here or give us a call at 1-844-827-8000. 

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

The post Get Your Flu Shot at UCR Health! appeared first on UCR Health.

What Is An Immunization?

Immunization is the process of protecting yourself against a virus or illness, hence becoming immune to an extent. Immunizations have helped us with many illnesses and viruses such as COVID-19, Hepatitis, and others. 

Why Is It Important to Receive An Immunization?

Receiving an immunization is strongly recommended, regardless of age. It can help prevent you from getting infected with many different types of viruses. Many healthcare providers strongly recommend getting specific immunizations to ensure you live a healthy life without getting a certain virus.

To speak with a physician about your immunizations and how they can benefit you, visit https://www.ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment/.

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Have you gotten your annual flu shot? Here’s some facts about the influenza vaccine for the 2021-2022 flu season: 

• The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older (with a few exceptions) should get the influenza vaccine this year.
• Although there is no preference for which vaccine to get, different flu vaccines have been approved for different age groups.
• All flu vaccines this year are quadrivalent, meaning they will protect against four different flu viruses.
• Flu vaccine and Covid-19 vaccines are approved to be taken at the same. 
• Although wearing masks and social distancing has lowered flu activity, getting the flu vaccine is the best way to keep yourself and others from getting sick.

For more information about the vaccine or to schedule an appointment, contact your provider.

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What is the flu? 

The influenza virus, most commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms of the flu include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, and/or fatigue. 

Why get the flu vaccine? 

During fall and winter, flu activity is at an all-time high. Although most people who get the flu experience mild symptoms some people are at high risk for developing serious flu-related complications. This includes young children, people over the age of 65, pregnant women, and anyone with chronic medical conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending everyone 6 months of age or older get a flu vaccine annually. Getting the flu vaccine brings two major benefits for the 2020-2021 season:

1. Flu vaccines are showing that is reduces the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.
2. Getting a flu vaccine can also save healthcare resources for the care of patients with COVID-19.

Make your appointment with UCR Health today!

The post Have You had Your Flu Shot? appeared first on UCR Health.

• I am a UCR Health patient
• I work for UCR as a staff or faculty member

I am a UCR staff or faculty member

UCR Health is offering UCR Staff and Faculty access to a FREE flu shot in the month of December by appointment only. We have recently moved the location of the clinic to our Multispecialty Center at Citrus Tower in Downtown Riverside. Those who attend will have convenient access to basement parking that will be validated at the front desk in suite 100.

Should you have any questions about this program, please email us FV-20-21@medsch.ucr.edu and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. You are also welcome to use our webchat feature.

Please note that you must book your flu shot - we are not accepting walk-ins.

If you are UCR Staff or Faculty, RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE.

LOCATION

• UCR Health Multispecialty Center

DATES + TIMES

• December 4th (9am to 12pm & 1pm to 3pm)
• December 11th (9am to 12pm & 1pm to 3pm)
• December 18th (9am to 12pm & 1pm to 3pm)

I am a UCR Health patient

Make your appointment today to receive your flu shot this season! You can make your appointment HERE. Should you have any questions, we encourage you to use our webchat feature.

Each of our locations are offering patients access to this season's flu shot. A list of clinics can be found HERE.

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Given the current pandemic, UCR Health and Kaiser Permanente encouraged UCR Staff and Faculty to get their flu shots in order to keep the community safe from yet another illness. All CDC guidelines were followed and safety precautions were taken throughout the duration of the event. 

The clinic could not have been made possible without the help of volunteers from both organizations, who helped with a variety of tasks, as well as residents from UC Riverside's School of Medicine, who administered the vaccines. Ultimately, they were able to provide over 600 doses of vaccine for staff and faculty and even expanded to essential contract workers as well as retirees. 

WRITTEN BY: Namrata Shetty | CAP Marketing Intern

The post UCR Health takes the lead in organizing UCR’s Staff and Faculty 2-Day Flu Shot Clinic appeared first on UCR Health.

Meningitis risk increases during flu season

Flu season is upon us! At this point, it is very likely that you know someone who is currently sick, has been sick, or may be just coming down with the flu. Most people feel really crummy for a few days up to two weeks, and then get back to feeling normal. However, while most people get through the flu without complications, a few individuals will develop meningitis. In the United States, there are an estimated 8,000-11,000 cases of meningitis per year.

Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation of the meninges can be caused by different conditions, but is most often triggered by a viral or bacterial infection. During the flu season, when the number of meningitis cases also tends to peak, doctors worry about bacteria such as Haemophilus influenza type B. This bacteria can be found in the nose and throat, and are usually harmless. However, in people with weakened immune systems, such as those recovering from a cold or the flu, the bacteria can sometimes spread to the brain and cause meningitis. Meningitis is life-threatening if not treated promptly.

So what are the warning signs that something more serious than the flu may be happening? People with severe headache, light-sensitivity, neck stiffness and neck pain in addition to fever should seek immediate medical attention. If meningitis is suspected, a neurologist may be called to confirm diagnosis and determine if it is bacterial or viral meningitis. Bacterial meningitis requires prompt treatment with antibiotics.

The best measures to avoid any preventable illness are hand-washing and vaccination. Vaccines are available for some types of bacterial meningitis. Getting the flu shot can also help to keep you healthy. If you have any concerns about getting the flu shot, or questions about which vaccines are right for you, discuss them with your doctor. 

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