Physicals & Vaccinations
Seasonal Flu
The seasonal flu vaccine can be given to anyone 6 months and older. In our clinic we treat children at 12 months and older. If your child is less than 12 months you will need to go to their pediatrician for the seasonal influenza vaccination. The flu vaccination will elicit an immune and produce antibodies against the flu virus. It will help lessen the severity of the flu or protect you from getting it all together. Influenza can cause serious complications in some and can result in bacterial pneumonia, sinus infections, ear infections, and possibly make already chronic conditions worse, like congestive heart failure. All flu vaccines in the United States protect against 4 different strains of influenza, also known as quadrivalent; it is very safe and effective for most.
Tdap
Tdap is a vaccination that protects people from diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Diphtheria is contagious illness caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae it is spread from person to person and sometimes can contaminate surfaces. It usually causes mild sickness but in about 10% of people it can cause severe infection of the upper respiratory system and tissue destruction. Symptoms are fever, chills, cyanosis, fatigue, sore throat, cough, difficulty swallowing difficulty breathing, and lymphadenopathy. Severe infection could also cause myocarditis and inflammation of the nerves.
Tetanus is a serious disease caused by a bacterium Clostridium tetani. It causes muscle contractions and lock jaw and muscle stiffness in the neck. Rigid abdomen muscles can also develop, causing intense pain throughout the body. There is now treatment for tetanus just management of symptoms. Because the Tdap immunization is safe and effective, cases of tetanus are very rare in the United States.
Pertussis also known as whooping cough produces a horrible barking cough in children. It is highly contagious and presents like the common cold at first. It is caused by bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The characteristic whooping cough can last for weeks companied with gasps of air. The Tdap vaccination is safe and effective for all three bacterial infections.
MMR
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) is a combination immunization that protects you from all 3 diseases. You need two doses of the vaccine, one between 12-15 months of age and the second around 4 years of age. Measles is a serious infection that can be fatal to newborns. It is extremely contagious and causes a characteristic body wide rash accompanied by a high fever lasting 4-7 days, a runny nose, red eyes, tiny white bumps in your mouth called Koplik spots, and a sore throat. Mumps is a viral infection and is usually seen in children who are unvaccinated. It usually affects the saliva making glands in front of the ears toward the jaw line. When infected these glands will swell which is characteristic for the mumps. Rubella is a viral infection that is like the measles but does the rash with Rubella is not as intense as the one seen with the measles. If a pregnant woman is infected with rubella, it could cause a miscarriage early in pregnancy or congenital deformities linked. To congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Since the MMR immunization came out in 1967 measles, mumps, and rubella is practically eradicated in the United States. Which means it’s a highly effective and safe immunization.
Muscle Strain
Hepatitis A & B
Hepatitis A & B are very serious viral infections that affect the liver. Hepatitis A virus is spread through infected food and water or from person to person. Hepatitis A is less common in the United States because we have good sanitation and cleaner water than other countries. Hepatitis B is spread through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and saliva. Both viruses seriously affect the liver and can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. The vaccine against hepatitis A & B is highly effective and safe at protecting people from both viruses.
Meningococcal
The meningococcal vaccine refers to any immunization that is used to protect patients from meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges caused by viral, bacterial, or other microorganisms. It can be fatal due to the inflammation and infection in proximity to the brain and spinal cord. There are many forms preventable meningitis due to the accessibility of meningococcal vaccine.
Varicella
Varicella zoster virus more commonly known as chickenpox is a very contagious disease that causes a blistery itchy rash, fatigue, and fever. Symptoms usually last for 5-7 days and complication with chicken pox include pneumonia, bacterial skin infection due to scratching open scabbed blisters, and inflammation of the brain. Chickenpox is usually more severe in adults than it is in children. It’s an airborne disease that spreads very easily. Children get two doses of the immunization and are then 90% protected against the virus. The varicella immunization was introduced in 1995 and resulted in a large decrease in number of people infected with the virus.
Work, School, & Sports Physicals
Physical examinations are performed by a medical practitioner to ensure the patient is in proper health. They are sometimes required for school, sports, and starting a new job. They are an important part in preventative medicine and disease prevention. The medical practitioner will determine if you are fit to perform the tasks required from your new employer or if you are healthy enough to participate in a sport. Physical examination includes measurement of vital signs such as temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. The medical provider will also look into the ears, eyes, and throat to check out your overall appearance for hygiene, skin color, and lesions. Our providers will also touch of certain parts of your body to check for inflammation or unusual lumps. The physical will also include checking reflexes and listening for normal sounds produced by the heart, lungs, and bowels.
Did you know...
some sprains and strains – such as those caused by falling on a foot or twisting a knee – are accidental and difficult to prevent. Others – such as those caused by lifting heavy objects the wrong way – can be prevented with proper training. The National Institutes of Health recommend stretching prior to physical activity, as well as wearing protective equipment during play to prevent sports injuries. It is also important to avoid overuse injuries by taking the time to rest tired and sore muscles.
