INPUT ARTICLE: Article: There are several flu vaccine options.  Sifting through all the information can be daunting, but there are currently two kinds of flu vaccines: trivalent and quadrivalent, both of which are similarly effective. The vaccine that’s best for you depends on factors such as your age, as well as any allergies or underlying medical conditions that you may have. Talk to your doctor about which flu shot is right for you. The trivalent vaccine protects against two types of A-strains of flu (the type that causes epidemics), and one type of B-strain, which is less severe. The trivalent shot is delivered via a needle or jet injector and is more readily available at pharmacies and doctor’s offices, which makes it cheaper to get as well.  The A-strains covered are the H1N1 and H3N2, and the B-strain is either a derivative of Victoria or Yamagata lineage. Typically, the first B-strain included in the trivalent vaccine is the one predicted to be most prevalent in the annual flu season. Standard dosage shots use a virus grown in eggs.  They are delivered via needle or jet injector.  Under certain circumstances, the needle injection can be given to someone as young as six months old.  The jet injector, however, is for ages 18 to 64 years old. Because immune systems weaken with age, a higher dose shot is available for those over 65 years old.  The higher dosage has four times the antibody creating substance antigen and helps older people with their immune response.  A cell-based shot is also available for anyone over 18 as an alternative to the typical shot.  Instead of an egg, animal cells are used to create the vaccine.  The vaccine itself isn’t different, but the flexibility of this type of creation is beneficial because it doesn’t rely on egg supply. This is a good option if you have an egg allergy. One other method using Recombinant Influenza Vaccine (RIV), also called Flublok, is produced quicker, without the influenza virus or eggs.  The production is much faster, potentially better able to react to pandemics, but has a shorter shelf-life.  This vaccination is also available for those 18 years and older. The quadrivalent vaccine includes both A-strains of the flu, the B-strain contained in the trivalent vaccine, and one more B-strain. They’re more expensive than the trivalent shot, but there are more delivery methods to choose from than the standard shot.  The standard quadrivalent shots are grown inside eggs and manufactured into multiple varieties.  The age group for these shots may start from six months old in certain cases, and as young as three years old in others. An intradermal vaccine is available as an alternative to the traditional shot.  While the traditional shot is delivered into the muscle, the intradermal shot uses a smaller needle and is injected under the skin.  This shot requires less antigen, and is specifically for people 18-64 years old.  A nasal spray, also called the Live, Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV), is approved for people two to 49 years old.

SUMMARY: Discuss which flu vaccine to get with your doctor. Get the trivalent vaccine as a cheaper and easier option. Receive the quadrivalent vaccine as an alternative to a traditional shot.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Go to the nearest hospital or call 911 if you develop a stiff neck, have convulsions, experience severe vomiting, experience weakness or paralysis, or become semi-conscious or unconscious. These could be signs of a brain infection like meningitis or encephalitis.  Some patients with mumps can develop meningitis, which may require further medical treatment.  Encephalitis occurs when your brain is inflamed. Left untreated, it can lead to neurological problems and become life-threatening. These could be signs of an inflamed pancreas, or pancreatitis. Bring your child to the nearest doctor if he or she experiences convulsions or if you suspect malnourishment or dehydration. These may be signs of a more serious illness or condition. Mumps during a pregnancy can be dangerous, with an increased risk of miscarriage in the first 12-16 weeks. In rare cases, mumps can cause hearing loss in one or both ears. So if you start to lose hearing in one or both ears, speak to your doctor. They can then refer you to hearing specialist.

SUMMARY:
Seek medical treatment immediately for severe symptoms. Call your doctor if you have severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Monitor children carefully. Talk to your doctor if you contract mumps while pregnant. Go to the doctor if you experience hearing loss.