Tetanus Shot

Posted on April 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A tetanus shot is a vaccine that reduces your risk of getting tetanus or lockjaw, a painful and potentially fatal bacterial infection.

The incubation period of tetanus ranges from 3 to 21 days after infection. Most cases occur within 14 days.

Symptoms can include:

Jaw cramping or the inability to open the mouth
Muscle spasms often occur in the back, abdomen, and extremities
Sudden painful muscle spasms, often triggered by sudden noises
Trouble swallowing
Seizures
Headache
Fever and sweating
Changes in blood pressure or a fast heart rate

The bacteria that cause tetanus can be found in the environment on metals and in soil. Because of this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a series of Tdap or DTap shots in childhood and boosters every ten years. These shots also protect against other bacterial infections, such as diphtheria and pertussis.

Tetanus shots work by training the immune system to identify threats, so it has the tools to fight them when it encounters them again. These shots are known as a toxoid vaccine, which means they contain a weakened version of the toxin released by Clostridium tetani, the tetanus-causing bacteria. The toxoid creates an immune response that protects you if you are exposed to these bacteria in the future.

There are many reasons to get a tetanus shot, including:

Within 48 hours of getting a wound that is deep and/or contaminated with dirt, feces, or saliva. You will need a booster shot if you haven’t had one in the past five years
During the first trimester of pregnancy, you can protect your baby from pertussis in their first months of life
As part of the childhood immunization regimen. The CDC recommends an initial five-shot series between the ages of two months and six years old, and a booster shot between 11 and 12 years old
Every 10 years after your initial series of shots

You shouldn’t get a tetanus shot if you or your child has an allergic reaction, seizures, or a decreased level of consciousness after getting a tetanus shot in the past. Do not get a tetanus shot until you speak with your healthcare provider. They can make a recommendation as to what is safe for you.

Before you get a tetanus vaccine, it is important to tell your healthcare provider if you have:

Life-threatening allergies
Guillain–Barré syndrome
Suffered from seizures in the past
Had severe pain or swelling after getting a tetanus shot in the past
A condition that affects the nervous system
Recently had transplant surgery

It is also important to tell your healthcare provider about any medications you take, as certain medications, such as corticosteroids, cancer treatments, and immunosuppressants, could interact with the tetanus shot.

Like most vaccinations, there is a chance of side effects. However, the side effects of a tetanus shot are usually mild. The most common side effect is muscle soreness in the arm. Other side effects include:

Swelling, pain, and redness at the injection site
Headache
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Low-grade fever
Fussiness or irritability in babies

Children and babies rarely experience serious side effects from the DTap vaccine. If they do experience side effects, they would include:

Fever over 105 degrees Fahrenheit
Seizures
Swelling of an entire arm or leg
Continued, inconsolable crying that lasts for more than a few hours

If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms relating to tetanus, you can receive treatment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Managing Seasonal Allergies If You Have Asthma

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Spring has finally sprung, and with it comes growing grass, blooming trees, and flowers. The season of renewal also comes with seasonal allergies due to the spreading of grass, tree, and flower pollen, as well as mold spores.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever affects many people who have pollen allergies. About 26% of adults and 19% of children are affected by seasonal allergic rhinitis.

When a person who suffers from seasonal allergies inhales pollen, it causes allergic reactions in the eyes, nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs. Seasonal allergic rhinitis can also affect those who suffer from asthma, a chronic condition that causes the airways to become narrow and inflamed and can also cause extra mucus to be produced.

Allergic asthma can be triggered by inhaling mold spores and pollen from trees, flowers, and grass. If a person who suffers from asthma inhales pollen, it can cause their airways to narrow and become swollen, which makes it difficult for them to breathe.

Asthma symptoms include:

Wheezing

Shortness of breath

Chest pain or tightness

Coughing

Common treatments for asthma include:

Nasal corticosteroid sprays

Antihistamines

Immunotherapy or allergy shots

If you suffer from seasonal allergies or asthma, there are several ways to manage allergies and reduce your exposure to pollen, including:

Using the air conditioner

Sleeping with the windows closed

Keeping track of the air quality and pollen counts

Taking your asthma medications as prescribed

Using an air purifier

Washing clothes and bedding regularly

Showering after being outdoors

Staying indoors when the pollen count is high

If you are experiencing symptoms related to seasonal allergies or asthma, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Integrative Health: Acupuncture

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Integrative health combines modern and holistic medicines that can help prevent the onset of disease, address existing chronic conditions, and promote healing in patients.

This approach places the patient at the center of a treatment plan, considering the physical, emotional, and social needs of that individual.

Treatment plans may also include the use of conventional medicine, such as prescriptions, to manage chronic health conditions, as well as therapies and practices, such as acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners insert fine needles into the skin to treat health problems. The needles can be manually manipulated or stimulated with small electrical currents, which is called electroacupuncture.

Originating from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been in use in some form for at least 2,500 years, gaining worldwide popularity since the 1970s.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture is used as a therapeutic technique in 103 out of 129 countries that reported data.

Data from the National Health Interview Survey showed that the use of acupuncture by adults in the U.S. more than doubled between 2002 and 2022. In 2002, 1% of adults in the U.S. used acupuncture. In 2022, that percentage rose to 2.2%.

National survey data suggest that acupuncture is most used for back, joint, and neck pain in the U.S.

It isn’t fully understood how acupuncture works. However, there is evidence that shows that acupuncture may have effects on the central nervous system, effects on other body tissues, and placebo effects.

Studies done in animals and humans, including studies using imaging procedures to see what is happening in the brain, have shown that acupuncture may affect nervous system function.

Acupuncture may have direct effects on the tissues where the needles have been inserted, which has been seen in connective tissue.

Research has shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for several pain conditions, including knee pain resulting from osteoarthritis and postoperative pain. Acupuncture may also help relieve joint pain associated with the use of aromatase inhibitors, which are drugs used in people diagnosed with breast cancer.

An analysis of data from 20 studies (6,376 participants) of people with painful conditions (back pain, osteoarthritis, neck pain, or headaches) showed that the beneficial effects of acupuncture continued for a year after the end of treatment for all conditions except neck pain.

Acupuncture doesn’t only treat painful conditions. It has also been studied for at least 50 other health problems. There is evidence that indicates acupuncture may help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, stress incontinence in women, and nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment, and may also help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life in people with asthma, but it has not been shown to improve lung function.

Auricular acupuncture is a type of acupuncture that involves stimulating specific areas of the ear. Research on auricular acupuncture for chronic back pain and cancer pain has had promising results.

Relatively few complications from using acupuncture have been reported. However, complications have resulted from the use of nonsterile needles and improper delivery of treatments. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections, punctured organs, and injury to the central nervous system.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires that they be sterile and labeled for single use only.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our integrative health services, events, or classes, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (718) 206-5675.

How to Prepare for Fall Allergy Season

Posted on September 19, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

The fall season is approaching, and with it comes fall allergy season. As the leaves start to fall, they can contain mold spores that can trigger seasonal allergies for millions. Nearly 25% of adults in the United States experience seasonal allergies throughout the year. Although seasonal allergies typically peak during April, May, and June, they can also be severe during September through December.

Ragweed pollen and mold spores are the most common allergens in the fall. The ragweed plant can grow wild anywhere, but is most prevalent in the eastern and Midwest regions of the U.S. Ragweed pollen typically begins to peak in late August through late September and can last until the first frost. Its lifespan is usually limited to one season, but it can produce up to one billion grains of pollen, which is a lot for one season. Mold spores are also seen during this time of year, especially as the leaves begin to decompose. Early signs of leaves beginning to decompose and possibly being infected with mold are if they start to turn black or white.

Even though there are different allergens for each season, the symptoms that you may experience are similar. They include:

Sneezing
Itchy/watery eyes
Runny nose
Post-nasal drainage

Fall weather can affect allergies because of warm, dry, and windy days, exacerbating symptoms due to the pollen from the ragweed plant being widely dispersed. Rain can temporarily reduce pollen levels, but can cause an increase in mold growth, especially when heat and humidity are present. If you have an underlying dust mite allergy, it is important to note that you may experience worsening allergy symptoms during the fall due to spending more time indoors.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) suggests these five tips to help you get ahead of fall allergy season:

Avoid allergy triggers by keeping an eye on daily pollen counts, staying indoors as much as possible during high pollen count days, and avoiding going out in the morning when ragweed pollen is at its highest during the fall
Change your clothing and remove your shoes as soon as you come in from outdoors, so you don’t track pollen into your home
Start taking allergy medication two weeks or so before the fall season arrives and before your symptoms begin
Consider immunotherapy if you have severe or chronic allergies
Visit an allergist if your allergy symptoms become severe

You can receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for seasonal allergies at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Are Allergy Symptoms Worsening?

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As we enter the height of spring, seasonal allergy symptoms may seem to be getting worse for those who suffer from them.

Seasonal allergy symptoms can include:

Sneezing
A runny or stuffy nose
Watery, itchy eyes
Itchy sinuses, throat, or ear canals
Ear congestion
Postnasal drainage

Public health and research organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America point to climate change as a possible contributing factor to worsening allergy seasons.

Due to the warmer temperatures, pollinating plants experience earlier and longer growing seasons, which allows them to produce more pollen.

“Climate change impacts allergy season because the consistent rhythm of, in this case of pollen, for example, new flowers being generated through spring is all off kilter. Areas that were not pollinating at a given time are pollinating earlier, while other areas are pollinating later”, says Frederic Bertley, PhD, president and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry.

More than a quarter of adults and about 1 in 5 children experience seasonal allergies in the United States.

However, despite the increasing severity of allergy season, there are ways to decrease exposure to pollen and reduce symptoms, including:

Keeping pollen out of your home by closing doors and windows
Installing HEPA filters
Giving your home a deep clean
Washing your hands often
Tracking pollen levels before you go outdoors
Showering after being outdoors
Staying indoors if pollen levels are high

In addition to decreasing exposure, there are over-the-counter allergy medications that you can take to relieve symptoms, including:

Antihistamines
Decongestants
Nasal and oral corticosteroids

Common Spring Allergy Triggers

Posted on April 1, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Spring allergy season typically begins around March or April and lasts until June or July.

During this time of year, we become more susceptible to allergy triggers, or allergens, which are substances that can cause allergic reactions. The most common spring allergens are:

Tree pollen
Grass pollen
Mold spores
Insect venom

Exposure to these allergens can trigger a response from your immune system, causing it to release chemicals such as histamine and prostaglandins, which can lead to the following symptoms:

Runny nose
Sneezing
Itching
Red, watery or itchy eyes
Hives
Dark circles under the eyes
Sore or scratchy throat
Headache
Cough
Fatigue
Postnasal drip

Minimizing your exposure to allergy triggers can help you avoid or limit symptoms. Here are a few tips to help you do that:

Check the pollen count by watching the weather forecast or using an app
Change your clothes when you arrive home after being outdoors
Consider wearing a mask outdoors
Avoid driving with the windows open
Keep the windows closed at home
Vacuum regularly
Consider using a HEPA filter at home

Allergy symptoms may also be alleviated by using home remedies, such as a saline rinse, or by taking over-the-counter medications. If your symptoms do not improve, consult your doctor; they may recommend prescription medications or additional therapies to help you find relief.

To schedule an appointment with an allergist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Home Remedies for a Runny Nose

Posted on November 5, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

A runny nose is caused by excess mucus production in your nasal passages. This leads to watery secretions that drip from your nose and sometimes down the back of your throat.

A runny nose can occur with or without nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is caused by inflammation of the lining of your nasal passages. Many things can cause a temporary runny nose, including:

Viruses
Cold weather
Sinusitis
Certain foods and drinks
Exercise
Medications

Some causes of long-lasting or recurring runny noses include:

Allergies
Hormones
Nasal polyps

If you don’t have any other symptoms, there are several ways to manage a runny nose at home with self-care options, including:

Drinking plenty of fluids
Drinking hot teas
Using a humidifier
Doing a facial steam
Taking a hot shower
Rinsing your nose with a neti pot
Applying a warm compress
Using a saline nasal spray
Taking over-the-counter medication
Getting plenty of rest
Eating spicy food

Many things can cause a runny nose, and it often doesn’t require treatment. However, if you frequently get one, it may be good to seek a medical opinion since chronic rhinitis can make life uncomfortable and lead to infections. You can talk with a physician by scheduling an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Summer Allergies

Posted on July 19, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The summer months come with beautiful flowers, warm weather, and longer days. They also bring the onset of summer allergies.

There are many causes of summer allergies. Some of which include:

Ragweed (the most common allergy trigger)
Grasses
Trees
Smog
Air pollution
Insect bites
Mold
Dust mites

Summer allergy symptoms can include:

Runny nose
Watery eyes
Sneezing
Itchy eyes and nose
Dark circles under your eyes.

Some ways you can reduce your exposure to allergy triggers include:

Staying indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
Avoiding garden chores like mowing the lawn and pulling weeds that stir up allergens.
Removing clothes worn outside and showering to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
Avoid hanging laundry outside because pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
Wearing a face mask when doing chores outside.
Checking your local TV news station or the internet for pollen forecasts and the current pollen levels.
Taking allergy medication before symptoms start or if high pollen counts are forecasted.
Closing doors and windows at night when there are high pollen counts.
Avoiding outdoor activity when pollen counts are highest.

There isn’t a miracle product that can get rid of all allergens from the air in your home, but ways to keep indoor air clean include:

Using air conditioning in your house.
Using high-efficiency filters if you have a forced air conditioning or heating system, and following regular maintenance schedules.
Keeping indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.
Using a portable HEPA filter in your bedroom.
Cleaning floors with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter regularly.

Here are some over-the-counter medications that can help ease allergy symptoms:

Oral antihistamines
Corticosteroid nasal sprays
Cromolyn sodium nasal spray
Oral decongestants

When is a Cough Serious?

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Coughing is a normal reflex and often does not signify a serious underlying medical condition. However, a cough could be connected to a more significant health issue and should be evaluated by a doctor when it is:

Severe
Worsening over time
Occurring frequently over several days or weeks

A cough can be either “acute,” meaning that it lasts less than three weeks, or “chronic,” meaning that it lasts longer. Some causes of acute cough, such as the common cold or exposure to airborne irritants, are not necessarily causes for concern on their own, but others, such as pneumonia and influenza, are potentially life-threatening for some people, such as older adults, infants, and people with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions.

In many cases, chronic coughing is also not indicative of a major, life-threatening health problem, such as when it is caused by mild allergies or asthma. However, it may be a cause for concern when it is severe, frequent, or accompanied by one or more other symptoms, including (but not limited to):

Coughing up blood
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Fatigue
Unintended weight loss

These symptoms could indicate that a cough is associated with a serious underlying medical condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, or pulmonary embolism. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

You can receive diagnostic care and specialized treatment for your cough at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

How Can Mold Impact Your Health?

Posted on November 30, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Mold growth is a common issue in many homes, and one that can cause a variety of medical problems. Many of the potential physical responses to mold exposure, such as a stuffy nose, sneezing, and red, itchy eyes, may occur more strongly in people who are allergic to mold or who have asthma. In some cases, severe reactions such as fever or shortness of breath can occur.

Mold is typically found in moist areas, such as parts of your home that have experienced flooding or leaks from your roof, windows, or pipes. It’s most likely to grow on wood-based products such as paper or cardboard, as well as some ceiling or floor tiles. Other materials that mold can grow on include:

Paint
Drywall
Carpet
Fabric
Insulation
Upholstery

You can often identify mold by its sight and smell. It often produces a musty odor and appears as one or more patches that are slimy, fuzzy, and/or discolored; these patches grow larger over time. Mold may also grow in places that are not easy to see, such as behind or under furniture, as well as inside pipes or walls. You can look for areas of your home where mold is most likely to grow by looking for signs of water stains or warping due to water damage.

If you notice signs of a mold problem in your home, make sure to identify the source of any water leakage and correct it, as well as discard any items with extensive mold growth or water damage that can’t be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Small areas of mold growth can be cleaned with soap and water, but for large-scale mold problems, it may be best to hire a licensed contractor to correct the issue.

If you are experiencing medical problems due to mold exposure, you can receive treatment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.