BCG is a live vaccine for controlling tuberculosis and was first administered to humans in 1921. In the United States, the use of BCG vaccination as a TB prevention strategy is reserved for selected persons who meet specific criteria. BCG vaccination in the U.S. is rarely indicated due to the relatively low risk of infection.
Many foreign-born people were vaccinated with BCG during childhood, especially those from countries with a high prevalence of TB. The vaccination does not completely prevent people from getting TB and may also cause a false positive tuberculin skin test. BCG is also being used as a treatment and recurrence prevention method for bladder cancer.
INFLUENZA
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by many different influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to death. Flu can spread easily from person to person and create sickness of epidemic proportions.
Worldwide, these annual epidemics result in about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and about 250,000 to 500,000 deaths. Every year, in the United States, between 5% and 20% of the population contract the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications. The elderly, children under the age of 5 and people with certain health conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease and weakened immune systems, are at high risk for serious complications from influenza.
Around the world there are many different strains of the flu and these have different times at which they become active. For your own safety, take the time before traveling to contact Aircare Access and find out what vaccines are recommended for the areas you will be visiting. Staying current with recommended vaccines is your best defense against influenza.
Transmission
Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People may become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it, then touching their mouth or nose. Think about how many times each day you rub your eyes or touch your mouth or nose!
Healthy adults may be able to infect others one day
before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. That means you are contagious and may be able to pass the flu to others before you even know you are sick!
The Basics 14
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