Why You May Need These 3 Vaccines This Year

 

Getting vaccinated against common viruses may keep you from getting sick this fall and winter.

When fall rolls around, many doctors recommend getting a flu shot. That’s because flu season typically ramps up in October, with peak season occurring between December and February. This year, a flu shot may not be the only vaccine that is recommended, however.

In addition to an annual flu shot, it may be time to get another COVID-19 booster. An updated vaccine will be released this fall to provide protection against current strains of the virus that are circulating. Getting a COVID-19 booster may be especially important for older adults and those who are more at risk of complications from the virus.

Another vaccine that may be on your radar for the very first time is one that provides protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This virus is usually associated with young children but adults may also get sick from RSV. Older adults are especially at risk of developing complications from the virus that can lead to hospitalization or even death.

Last year, all three of these viruses hit hard around the same time of the year—in the fall and winter. Some referred to the three viruses as a tripledemic. This year, health experts are concerned that the same thing may happen.

Who should get these vaccines?

Not sure if you should get one, two or three of these vaccines? Here are recommendations for each:

• Flu – Annual flu vaccines are recommended for all people aged 6 months and older, unless there is a specific reason that a doctor suggests that you do not get vaccinated. Most people only need a single dose of the flu vaccine, but some children under age 9 may need a second dose. Getting the flu vaccine in September or October is ideal. If you miss that timeframe, it’s not too late to get a flu shot any time after that, since flu season usually sticks around until May.
• COVID-19 – New vaccines are being updated this fall to target the XBB variants of the COVID-19 virus. These are strains of the virus that came from the Omicron variant and are the most common form of the virus currently in circulation. This vaccine will be available to adults and children ages 6 months and older starting in late September or October.
• RSV – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently endorsed recommendations for adults aged 60 and older to receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine. This is the first time an RSV vaccine has ever been available. Talk to your doctor about whether getting an RSV vaccine is right for you.

Copyright 2023 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Cook eKitchen™ is a designated trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

Date Last Reviewed: August 17, 2023

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

Learn more about Baldwin Publishing Inc. editorial policy, privacy policy, ADA compliance and sponsorship policy.

No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.

Don’t Miss These Breast Cancer Symptoms

 

Breast cancer doesn’t always produce symptoms, but here’s how to know when to see a doctor.

Breast cancer is a concern of women of all ages, although men can get it, too. You may not know exactly what symptoms to look out for that may indicate you have the disease. But understanding the signs and symptoms makes it more likely you’ll see a doctor if something doesn’t look or feel right. This can help detect cancer early if you have it.

Keep in mind that breast cancer doesn’t always produce noticeable symptoms. That’s why it is also important to have routine breast exams and mammograms as recommended.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

All women have different breasts. Some are dense, some are lumpy and some are uneven. Even for the same person, breasts may change over time due to age, having children, losing or gaining weight, at various times during the menstrual cycle or if you take certain medications. Knowing what feels normal or abnormal to you can help you have a better idea of when something doesn’t seem quite right.

Here are some symptoms you may notice if you have breast cancer:

• Feeling a new lump in the breast or armpit
• Swelling in part of the breast
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or thickening of the skin on the breast
• Redness, dryness, flaking, scaling or irritation of the skin around the nipple or breast
• Pain in the nipple area or any area of the breast
• Nipple retraction (pulling in of the nipple)
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)

Some of these symptoms may be due to factors unrelated to breast cancer. Even feeling a lump, which is the most common symptom of breast cancer, may not be a reason to panic. Many breast lumps are not cancerous. But if you notice any of these symptoms, even if you recently had a mammogram that was normal, it is recommended that you see a doctor for further evaluation.

The Importance of Breast Cancer Screenings

In addition to knowing what symptoms to look out for, one of the best ways to detect cancer at an early stage if it is present is to keep up with regular breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams. These screenings are often effective at finding breast cancer before any symptoms appear. The earlier breast cancer is caught, the better the chance of being able to successfully treat it. Talk to your doctor about what types of screenings are best for you and how often you should have them done.

Copyright 2023 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Cook eKitchen™ is a designated trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

Date Last Reviewed: August 17, 2023

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

Learn more about Baldwin Publishing Inc. editorial policy, privacy policy, ADA compliance and sponsorship policy.

No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.