4 Vaccines Adults Should Get

by Kevin Smith Author

As people age, they become vulnerable to numerous types of illnesses. Some of these diseases are preventable if they get the right immunization shots. Here are a few examples of vaccines that adults require to maintain long-term health:

Flu

Short for "influenza," the flu is a viral infection that targets the throat, lungs, nose, and other parts of the respiratory system. It can be mild and last for just a day, while severe complications may require rest for more than a week. This highly contagious ailment affects all people, no matter how young or old they are. Medical experts say that getting a vaccine once a year reduces the chances of contracting this disease by over 50%.

Not everyone can be administered a shot, though, like people who are allergic to the contents of the vaccine. Those who have a fever of over 101 degrees F should wait until they get better first.

Human Papillomavirus

Commonly abbreviated as HPV, human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted infection that affects many people. During intercourse, this virus can make its way into the mouth, throat, or genitals and cause complications.

There are over 40 varieties of HPV. Some of them aren't entirely harmful, but there are types that can cause genital warts. The more malignant kind causes cervical cancer. This disease is difficult to diagnose because it doesn't have any symptoms. But, it can be prevented by a vaccine.

The HPV vaccine was approved by the FDA in 2006. It's recommended for individuals aged 11 to 12 to protect them from being exposed to the virus. Sexually active adults less than 26 years old are also advised to get a shot.

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Measles, mumps, and rubella are all serious viral infections. They usually affect children, but adults aren't completely immune.

Measles often starts as a common cold, cough, or runny nose that later develops into a fever. If not treated, the virus may reach the lungs and lead to pneumonia. Mumps is characterized by the swelling of the glands below the ears. It can progress into meningitis and even result in deafness.

Rubella is also known as German measles. Its symptoms include a mild rash on the skin and low fever. Children recover quickly from it, but it's very dangerous to pregnant women. Contracting the disease during the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to congenital disabilities.

All of these 3 infections are now preventable because of the MMR vaccine. Children 12 to 15 months old are advised to receive 1 dose. Another shot will be administered once they reach 4 to 6 years of age. Adults who frequently go on a trip outside the country are also recommended to visit a travel vaccine clinic in Gainesville, GA, to get an immunization.