Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) are responsible for 4.25 million deaths annually and are the third largest cause of mortality in the world.1 The symptoms of viral and bacterial respiratory illnesses are often similar and may require testing to differentiate between them. Comprehensive molecular screening panels help clinicians accurately diagnose and appropriately treat their patients within an acceptable time frame.
Our nasal swab test looks for the DNA of 47 different pathogens causing infection of the respiratory tract. Because nothing is grown in a lab, results are sent to your primary care physician within 36 hours of testing, allowing your physician a more accurate and timely way to treat any infection. Your physician will know what harmful pathogens are present and in what quantities-providing you with a more specific treatment for your condition.
Testing with this panel has determined that more than 40% of patients that test positive for Flu or the COVID-19 virus also have a significant bacterial infection that requires treatment with antibiotics. These co-infections can make outcomes worse. Treating and eliminating these harmful pathogens prior to or while being exposed to a viral infection should also allow the body to respond more effectively.
The test is a simple nasal swab performed in office or curb-side by a trained health professional. Insurance is accepted and submitted by the laboratory. The only out-of-pocket cost is the standard co-pay/office visit fee at our office, and Most major insurance carriers and Medicare are accepted.
Appointments are limited. Please call our office to schedule an appointment for your screening.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are all trying to stay healthy, but for many individuals, the pneumonia vaccine can provide extra protection.
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can affect people of all ages. It is often treated with medication, but it can be prevented with vaccination. Pneumonia infection can come from different sources including influenza, coronavirus, bacteria, fungi and various other viruses.
How does pneumonia factor in with viruses such as Coronavirus?
It is well known that bacterial pneumonia infections are a common cause of influenza-related hospitalization in otherwise healthy individuals. Analysis of the influenza pandemic of 1957 showed that more than two thirds of the fatal cases were associated with bacterial pneumonia.1
Bacterial pathogens work in two ways to cause a worsened outcome when a viral infection is also involved. If a viral and bacterial infection are present at the same time, the inflammation caused by the bacterial infection can allow the virus to spread without response from the body. Pneumonia causing bacteria can spread undetected by the body causing a super infection even when the viral infection has been taken care of by the immune system.2
Initial studies of Coronavirus show that this virus behaves similarly to other respiratory viruses. The pneumonia vaccine can prevent bacterial pneumonia from becoming part of a co-infection complicating the condition.
What Is the Pneumonia Vaccine?
The pneumonia vaccine provides protection against all forms of bacterial pneumonia. It is primarily designed for use in seniors, to help protect against potentially deadly or life-altering infection. The vaccine does not protect against influenza, coronavirus or fungal pneumonia.
Who Should Get the Pneumonia Vaccine?
Pneumonia vaccination is recommended for all adults 65 or over. Other individuals should consider pneumonia vaccination. These include:
• Adults with chronic illness like liver or heart disease
• People with a weakened immune system over the age of 2
• Individuals with cochlear implants
• Those who smoke
• People with asthma
• People with who are immunocompromised (Cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, HIV, Hepatitis C, etc.)
• Those with a previous history of respiratory infections
• Individuals with diabetes
• People who have COPD or emphysema
• Anyone on oxygen therapy for medical conditions
While the pneumonia vaccine may not be covered by insurance if you are under 65, everyone can elect to get the vaccine if it is not medically contraindicated. To schedule an appointment with one of our travel health specialists, call one of our office locations listed. They can assist you in determining if this vaccine is recommended for you.
Passport Health is the largest and leading provider of travel medicine and immunization services in North America. With 270+ travel clinic locations, a commitment to first-class medical care, and rigorously trained medical staff, Passport Health sets the immunization industry standard. Our deep vaccine inventory and vast clinic network provides clients with what they need, when they need it. We strive to be all travelers’ one-stop-shop for all their vaccination, travel document and travel supply needs.
Passport Health was founded in 1994 in Baltimore, Maryland, and now operates 270+ clinic locations across North America. Each travel clinic serves its local community via convenient locations where the public can access travel medicine specialists who have received rigorous training in the fields of travel medicine and immunology.
Passport Health Offers Curbside Coronavirus Testing!
Coronavirus antibody testing and preventative vaccines
To schedule your appointment, please call 941-362-0304 www.passporthealthusa.com/sarasota
References:
1 de Roux A, Ewig S, García E, Marcos MA, Mensa J, Lode H, Torres A. Mixed community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalised patients. Eur Respir J. 2006;27:795–800.
2 Koenraad F van der Sluijs, Tom van der Poll, René Lutter, Nicole P Juffermans, and Marcus J Schultz. Bench-to-bedside review: Bacterial pneumonia with influenza – pathogenesis and clinical implications. Crit Care. 2010; 14(2): 219.
