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Month: September 2021

The Vaccine Will Not Give You The Flu (FACT)

One of the most common misconceptions about the flu vaccine is that it causes the recipient to get the flu. Side effects are common with the vaccination, but these symptoms are mild compared to the fully developed flu.

Getting The Flu Is More Effective Than Getting The Shot (MYTH)

Flu vaccination is the most effective way to keep yourself and others around you safe. In 2019-2020 the flu vaccination prevented an estimated 7.5 million influenza illnesses. The flu can cause very serious complications in some circumstances, so getting the vaccine can significantly decrease the severity if someone happens to still contract the virus.

The Vaccine Can Protect Many People (FACT)

While the flu shot is not 100% effective, it provides protection and lowers your chances of getting sick. And if you do get sick, the vaccine lessens the severity of your symptoms. People that may not know they have the flu, can pass it on to others. The flu can be fatal to those at risk – such as young children, pregnant women or people with cancer.

The Vaccine Is All You Need To Protect Yourself (MYTH)

The vaccine is not the only way to protect yourself or loved ones from the flu. Washing your hands regularly, using hand sanitizer and taking antiviral medications if you were exposed can also help protect you. Another important step you can take is if someone you know has flu-like symptoms, try to avoid seeing that person until they feel better.

The Vaccine Fights Multiple Strains (FACT)

A lot of research is done to determine the different strains most likely to appear each flu season. There is a new vaccine developed every year because the predicted strains of the flu change annually. They are updated based on the strains that are making people sick, the extent to which those viruses are spreading, and how well the previous season’s vaccine protected against those viruses.

It Is Not Necessary To Get It Every Year (MYTH)

There is protection against different strains in each year’s flu shot, so it is very important to get it every year. It is also suggested to get the flu shot in early fall. Data suggests flu season starts just before Halloween and ends as Spring arrives.

The Shot Does Not Protect Against Common Colds or Stomach Illnesses (FACT)

It is a common misconception that the stomach flu is the same thing as influenza. That is incorrect, therefore the vaccine does not protect against the common cold or the stomach flu. It only helps fight off the viruses that cause influenza, which is much more severe than either of those two illnesses.

Like many vaccines and medications, there is so much information spreading around it can be hard to decipher between facts and myths. At Southwoods, we are committed to the health and safety of our community.

If you need a flu shot or think you may already have the flu, Southwoods Express Care is here to help. With convenient walk-in service, shorter wait times, and lower costs than an ER visit, Express Care is open 7 days a week in Boardman, Campbell and our newest location in Columbiana.

September is Pain Awareness Month, the perfect time to raise awareness about the effects pain can have on a person and their loved ones. Understanding more about the underlying causes of pain can be key in finding the right treatment to alleviate suffering. At Southwoods Health, the comprehensive team at the Southwoods Pain & Spine Center is dedicated to finding effective results that reduce or eliminate pain altogether. As we begin Pain Awareness Month, here are five things you should know.

Over 50 Million Americans Suffer

If chronic pain does not directly affect you, chances are it affects someone you know. In the United States, 1 in 5 adults experience chronic pain. When someone suffers from pain, it does not just affect them…it affects their family, friends and anyone else around them. Pain commonly causes sufferers to be unable to work. It is the number 1 cause of disability globally.

There Are Many Types of Pain

Pain does not look the same for everyone. The four main categories pain tends to fall within are: back pain, headaches, neuropathic pain and joint pain.

  • 80% of adults in the U.S. will experience back pain at some point in their life. (source)
  • More than 4 million people have chronic daily migraines. (source)
  • Chronic neuropathic pain affects 3% to 17% of adults. (source)
  • About 15 million adults report severe joint pain due to arthritis. (source)

Pain can also be caused by underlying conditions such as cancer and Multiple Sclerosis. Ruling out an underlying condition is an important first step on the road to alleviating suffering.

Pain Can Affect Anyone

Although chronic pain tends to affect more women than men, anyone can suffer. From young children to older adults, there are different types of pain that can affect individuals at any age. However, the older you get the more likely you are to suffer from some type of chronic pain. Approximately 28% of 46-64 year olds and 65% of adults over 65 suffer. Taking steps like staying active and eating a nutritious diet can keep you healthy as you age and lower your chances of suffering from chronic pain.

There Is Hope

Researchers are focusing on learning more about the causes of chronic pain, what treatments work best and how it can be prevented. At the SouthwoodsPain & Spine Center, our patients have access to the latest medical therapeutics and interventional techniques targeted at the identified source of pain with the goal of achieving long term improvement. Patients who do not receive the desired level of pain relief from more conservative measures, can be offered alternative pain management treatment options without having to leave the practice or the building. This means patients will receive care that is timely, comprehensive and effective in delivering results that reduce or eliminate pain altogether.

During Pain Awareness Month, and all year long, it is important to remember that anyone can suffer from pain. Spreading awareness is a great first step in promoting pain education, and at the Southwoods Pain & Spine Center we recognize the far-reaching effects of chronic pain. We place great importance on providing access to the region’s most capable team of physicians and advanced practice providers, so you can find comfort in knowing you do not have to suffer through pain alone.

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