October, 2018

It seems like we were all just enjoying the lazy, hazy days of summer, but Florida’s hottest season has been replaced by flu season. If you haven’t yet received your flu shot, these reasons will remind you that it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your health.

1. The Flu Is Dangerous!

You might just think of the flu as an uncomfortable inconvenience that lingers for a few days and disappears, but it’s an extremely dangerous illness for the most vulnerable among us. Babies, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems aren’t just vulnerable to the flu; they are at high risk of serious and dangerous complications as a result of the flu. The flu vaccine is the single most effective way to ward off the flu. Just one shot is all you need to receive the vaccine, and it will immediately go to work developing extra layers of protection for your body.

2. The Flu Shot Is Safe For Pregnant and Nursing Women

There are many things that women cannot do when they are pregnant or breastfeeding, but the flu shot is not on that list of restrictions. In fact, the flu shot is actually one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby!

According to the CDC, the flu shot provides essential protection to your baby in the womb while also keeping you healthier. The antibodies that your body develops are actually passed along to your baby and provide protection for several months after she is born. Since infants under six months of age cannot safely receive the flu shot themselves, the vaccine you receive while pregnant is the best protection they can get! (more…)

A sore throat is an unpleasant feeling, but if it’s been lingering for a few days you might worry that you actually have strep throat. It’s important to know the difference so you can seek medical attention quickly. Here’s what you should know about the difference between a sore throat and strep throat.

Signs You Just Have a Sore Throat

A sore throat, formally known as pharyngitis, is caused by minor irritation of the soft tissues in the throat. You might have developed a sore throat as a result of the common cold or the flu. Most sore throat symptoms occur suddenly and last a few days. It’s also possible for allergies, dry air, heartburn, and polluted air to cause a sore throat.

Symptoms of a sore throat include the following:

• Red and swollen throat

• Painful swallowing of food and liquids

• Inflamed tonsils (more…)