Bedford Park, IL (PRWEB) October 30, 2012
With the flu season quickly approaching, United Security Life and Health Insurance Companys(USL&H) Medical Director, Leonard Hertko, M.D. outlines the guidelines and benefits of the influenza, pneumonia, shingles and whopping cough vaccines. Dr. Hertko stresses the importance of these vaccines in reducing serious illness, lost wages, and high medical bills.
The Centers for Disease Control estimated that, on average, approximately 5% to 20% of U.S. residents get the flu, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu-related complications each year. Contracting the flu or influenza not only can result in serious and sometimes fatal health complications, but is responsible for tremendous health care costs and lost wages. began Dr. Hertko. In the journal Vaccine, the Center for Disease Control published a study in which dollar figures on visits to doctors offices and emergency rooms for the treatment of flu-stricken children were recorded. It also studied the amount of time parents had to miss work and care for little ones while they recover. The study examined the experience of 282 children under the age of five in three U.S. cities, and found that parents had medical expenses ranging from under $ 300 to about $ 4,000 and missed between 11 and 73 hours of work, depending on whether their child was able to recover at home or was hospitalized, continued Dr. Hertko.
While it is unpredictable to determine how aggressive the influenza season will be each year, obtaining influenza vaccine will reduce the likelihood that someone will contract the flu. This same principle holds true for illnesses such as pneumonia, shingles and whooping cough. Vaccines to prevent and or lessen the severity of the illness are available. Dr. Hertko outlines some basic guidelines and essential information on each of these important vaccines.
Influenza Vaccine (Flu)
