Common Vaccines That Can Prevent Chronic Diseases or Some Cancers

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Vaccines don’t just protect you from specific infectious diseases or help reduce the severity of symptoms if you get sick. They also play a significant role in preventing you from developing common chronic diseases, including certain cancers.

What’s more, there is an increasing amount of research that has shown that vaccines can reduce the risk of developing dementia and heart conditions.

Here are some common vaccines that can prevent chronic diseases and some cancers:

HPV Vaccine

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection spread by skin-to-skin contact, often through sex, and is responsible for most cervical cancers. It can also cause a large number of lower genital cancers and certain head and neck cancers.

Studies have shown that rates of HPV infection, early signs of precancer, and cervical cancer have fallen since the HPV vaccine was introduced. A 2024 study of an estimated 3.5 million participants found fewer cases of HPV-related cancers in people who were vaccinated. Another study found that cervical cancer deaths among women younger than 25 years old dropped more than 60 percent in recent years, with researchers suggesting that the significant decline was most likely the result of vaccinations.

The HPV vaccine should be administered to all young people between the ages of nine and 26. It can be given to people up to the age of 45; however, the vaccine is less effective the older you are. Two doses of the vaccine are recommended for most people younger than 15 years old, and three shots for people between 15 and 26 years old and those who are immunocompromised.

Shingles Vaccine

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. Unfortunately, the virus doesn’t leave your body after you have recovered from chicken pox and stays dormant in your nervous system, and for some people, it can reactivate and cause a painful rash. In the U.S., an estimated one million people get shingles each year, and for certain people, it can sometimes also cause lifelong chronic pain conditions or other serious complications, such as vision loss.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the shingles vaccine is 97 percent effective in preventing shingles in adults between 50 and 69 years old.

Additionally, many large-scale studies have reported a connection between the shingles vaccine and reduced risk of dementia. There is also research that suggests the vaccine could reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. The CDC recommends two doses of a shingles vaccine for adults 50 and older, or people 19 years or older with weakened immune symptoms. The chicken pox vaccine for children can help prevent shingles when they’re older.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

The hepatitis B virus is a leading risk factor for liver disease and cancer later in life. It can be contracted through sexual contact, needles, and childbirth, and can be passed from person to person through blood, semen, or other bodily fluids.

Acute hepatitis B can be a short-term illness that happens within the first six months of exposure to the virus. It can cause people to have no symptoms or only mild sickness. However, the illness, which is a liver infection that can become a lifelong chronic condition if left untreated, could lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is recommended that all infants receive the vaccine at birth, with the series of shots to be completed in the first 15 months of their life.

Flu, Coronavirus, and RSV Vaccine

Vaccines that help prevent infections from respiratory viruses are important because they protect us against serious disease, as well as flare-ups or worsening of existing chronic health conditions.

A study done in 2020 found higher rates of severe flu infections among adults with certain chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma. Additionally, a study of 46 million adults observed that the incidence of heart attacks and strokes decreased after people received coronavirus vaccinations.

The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older should get an annual flu shot.

It is also important for those who have chronic conditions to get the coronavirus and RSV vaccines.

RSV can be devastating for children and elderly people. Getting the RSV vaccine is recommended for babies, pregnant women to protect their babies, adults ages 50 to 74 with chronic health conditions, and all adults 75 and older.

Bacterial Vaccines

Bacterial infections such as meningitis and pneumonia can also lead to chronic disabilities or even death.

The longer a person has a meningitis infection, the greater the risk of the infection causing serious complications such as hearing loss, vision troubles, memory issues, learning disabilities, brain damage, seizures, and kidney failure.

Pneumonia can have long-term effects, such as depression, heart disease, and blood vessel diseases that worsen. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, pneumonia could cause kidney, liver, and heart damage due to the organs not getting enough oxygen to function properly, or because of the immune system responding negatively to the infection.

Both bacterial meningitis and pneumonia can lead to sepsis. If treated early, a person suffering from sepsis can recover completely; however, others might experience long-term effects, including insomnia, nightmares or hallucinations, panic attacks, joint and muscle pain, decreased cognitive function, and organ failure.

The CDC recommends all preteens and teens, as well as children and adults who are at an increased risk, receive the meningococcal vaccine, as it protects against the disease that causes meningitis. Children five years and younger and adults 50 or older should receive the pneumococcal vaccine, which helps prevent pneumonia and other infections, including meningitis and sepsis.

It is important to remember that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against worsening or serious symptoms of illness and developing chronic diseases and cancers.

To learn more about our infectious disease services or to make an appointment with our infectious disease physicians, please contact Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-206-6000.

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.

How to Improve Your Gut Health and Balance Your Gut Microbiome

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

There are trillions of beneficial bacteria living in your gut, or gut microbiome, that are essential to your health and well-being. The gut microbiome plays an important role in strengthening your immune system and regulating daily bodily functions, including hunger signals and mood fluctuations.

The gut contains 95 percent of the feel-good hormone, serotonin, which means what you eat can impact your ability to respond to stress, reduce anxiety, and help the body fight off germs, viruses, and bacteria that could make you sick.

When you have an unhealthy gut, it can cause several diseases and conditions, including:

Inflammatory bowel disease

Obesity

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Insulin resistance and other endocrine disorders

Mental health conditions and neurological disorders

Asthma

Various cancers

There can be several signs of an unhealthy and imbalanced gut, including:

Intolerance to certain foods

A frequent upset stomach

Intense cravings

Skin irritations

Autoimmune disorders

Intense cravings

Migraines and frequent headaches

Difficulty sleeping or excessive fatigue

Irritability or other mood changes

Changes in bathroom habits

The most direct and effective way to improve your gut health is through your diet by getting enough dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is the key nutrient for maintaining the diversity of gut microbiota. Having low gut microbiota diversity is associated with many chronic inflammatory diseases, such as:

Obesity

Diabetes

Irritable bowel disease (IBD)

Several foods are high in fiber, including:

Fruits

Vegetables

Nuts

Whole grains, such as:

Barley

Bran

Quinoa

Oatmeal

Brown rice

Seeds

Legumes, including peas, beans, and lentils

Other recommendations for improved gut health include:

Increasing consumption of whole foods by adopting the Mediterranean diet

Limiting processed foods

Eating smaller meals

Eating more slowly and chewing food thoroughly

Managing stress

Exercising more

Setting a gut bedtime

Gut health can also be improved by taking probiotics and prebiotics.

Probiotics are “good” bacteria and other microorganisms that reside in the gut and are believed to support a healthy immune system and good digestion. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods, including:

Yogurt

Kefir

Sauerkraut

Kombucha

Pickles that are salt-based

Tempeh

Kimchi

Miso

Prebiotics are dietary fibers that probiotics feed on. They can be found in several high-fiber foods, including:

Leeks

Asparagus

Garlic

Onions

Bananas

Chicory root

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that women aim for 25 grams of fiber per day and men for 38 grams per day.

If you would like to improve your gut health and balance your gut microbiome, you can consult a physician by visiting Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

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.

Asthma in the Summer

Posted on July 25, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Summer can be a difficult season for people with asthma. The heat and humidity can affect airways, with the hot air causing them to tighten and narrow. This can trigger symptoms such as wheezing, breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, and other symptoms that increase the likelihood of asthma attacks.

Similarly, humid air is not only heavy and hard to breathe in, but it can trap irritants and allow allergens such as dust mites and mold to thrive and diminish air quality, triggering asthma symptoms. This effect occurs regardless of the type of asthma a person has. If a person has allergic asthma, they may find managing their asthma to be especially difficult in the summer. The same is true if a person has exercise-induced asthma and tends to be more active during the summer.

Asthma symptoms are usually more common in the fall and winter; however, summer creates unique risks as there are more causes of summer asthma. Causes of summer asthma symptoms include:

Having asthma means the lungs are sensitive to extreme heat. Breathing in hot air can aggravate airways and trigger symptoms. Becoming dehydrated can cause a person to breathe more rapidly than normal, which can also play a role in setting off symptoms.

Ozone is a product of atmospheric chemicals and sunlight. Although more research is needed to discount statistical uncertainty and better assess adult lung function in response to different levels of exposure, many researchers believe this pollutant can exacerbate asthma, especially in children. This is based on studies that show lung function worsens in the days after ozone levels peak, affecting people with asthma and even people without it.

If you have allergic asthma and are triggered by certain allergens that are especially prevalent in June, July, and August, it stands to reason you’re more likely to have asthma attacks during these months.

March through June: tree pollen is high

May through early June: grass pollen is high

June: outdoor mold spores peak and decrease after the first frost

August through the first frost: weed pollen is high (daily peaks around noon)

Whether it is a small campfire or a raging wildfire, exposure to smoke is more likely in the summer months. Smoke carries fine particulate matter that can get into a person’s airways and have a major impact on asthma.

If you have a history of worsened asthma in the summer, an asthma healthcare provider will work with you to create a seasonal action plan, which may include incorporating additional medications and/or lifestyle measures into your overall management measures.

It is key to head into summer with your asthma well under control. It is not under control if:

You use a rescue inhaler more than twice a week

Asthma symptoms interrupt sleep more than twice a month

You need a new rescue inhaler more than twice a year

Avoiding allergens altogether may be difficult, especially if you enjoy being outside in warm weather. In addition to following your prescribed treatment plan, this may involve taking some special precautions in the summertime, including:

Checking the pollen counts for your area

Staying indoors and/or limiting outdoor activities on days with extreme heat, high humidity, high pollen counts, wildfire smoke days, thunderstorm warnings, and ozone alert days

Showering after outdoor activities

Not letting dust accumulate in your home

Using a dehumidifier and an air conditioner

Considering immunotherapy

It is important to follow your asthma action plan, try to avoid triggers, and stick to the asthma medication regimen prescribed by your healthcare provider. These steps may include taking daily asthma controller medication to prevent asthma symptoms and rescue medications to treat acute symptoms.

If your asthma symptoms are becoming difficult to deal with, you can visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Foods Asthma Sufferers May Want To Avoid

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Although food is not a common trigger for asthma, some people with the disease may develop symptoms or adverse reactions as a result of eating certain foods or additives.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma-triggering foods can include those that contain sulfites an additive found in:

• Pickled foods
• Packaged potatoes
• Dried fruits and vegetables
• Wine and beer
• Shrimp
• Bottled lemon or lime juices
• Some condiments

Foods that contain salicylates, a naturally occurring chemical compound, have also been known to trigger symptoms in some people with asthma. Salicylates can be found in:

• Teas and coffees
• Certain herbs and spices

Additionally, foods that can cause gas or bloating such as beans, fried foods, carbonated drinks, onions, or garlic may make breathing more difficult for people with asthma.

Lastly, if you are allergic to certain foods, it is best to avoid them. An allergic reaction to these foods can also trigger an asthma attack.

Asthma sufferers should be careful about the foods they eat. Food allergies or reactions vary depending on the individual; therefore, speaking with a doctor about foods to eliminate or add to a diet is recommended.

Nebulizers: What You Should Know

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Over 34 million people throughout the United States live with a chronic lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Any type of lung disease can have a significant detrimental impact on your quality of life without effective treatment to manage it. One of these treatments is the usage of nebulizers, which turn liquid medicine into a mist that can be easily inhaled.

While they function in a similar way, nebulizers are not the same thing as inhalers. An inhaler delivers medication more quickly, is often smaller and more portable, often costs less, and usually causes fewer side effects. However, they are not as easy to use properly as nebulizers, which allow you to breathe normally to get the dose of medicine you need.

You may need a nebulizer if you plan to take certain types of medication, such as bronchodilators (which relax your airway muscles) or corticosteroids (which prevent airway inflammation). Nebulizers can also be used with some antibiotics (if you have a bacterial lung infection) or medications that loosen mucus in your lungs.

Before using your nebulizer, it’s important to make sure you’re setting it up correctly. You should:

Read the manufacturer’s instructions for setting up and using your nebulizer, which should be included
Wash your hands
Fill the medicine cup and close it tightly
Make sure the hose is connected to the air compressor, mouthpiece, and medicine cup
Plug in and turn on the nebulizer

While using the nebulizer, you should:

Keep your lips firmly around the mouthpiece
Breathe through your mouth until the medicine cup is empty (this can take up to 20 minutes)

It’s also important to make sure you’re keeping your nebulizer sanitary for future use. Each time you finish using it, you should:

Turn off and unplug the machine
Wash the mouthpiece and medicine cup under warm, running water
Air dry the nebulizer and run air through it for at least 20 seconds to ensure all parts of it are dry
Remove all detachable parts (such as the mouthpiece and medicine cup) and store the nebulizer in a covered place until the next time you use it
Change the machine’s filter as needed (see the instructions that came with your nebulizer)

If you experience symptoms of asthma or another type of lung disease, you can receive high-quality treatment from Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Pulmonary Medicine. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7126.

Learn The Facts About Asthma

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Michael Hinck

Asthma is a disease that affects the airway’s ability to deliver oxygen to the lungs. It causes periodic attacks of wheezing and difficulty breathing. An asthma attack occurs when the airways become inflamed in response to a trigger. Triggers are factors that bring about an asthma attack. There are many types of triggers including:

• Allergens – Such as pollen, mold, animal fur, dust, dust mites, and cockroaches

• Viral Infections – Viral infections of the respiratory tract often act as major triggers, since they irritate the airways, nose, throat, and sinuses

• Irritants – Examples of irritants are perfumes, household cleaners, cooking fumes, painting supplies, coal, chalk, and sudden changes in the weather

• Tobacco Smoke and Wood Smoke – No one should smoke in the home of an asthmatic

• Exercise – It is estimated that 85% of all asthmatics encounter wheezing after exercise

• Sensitivity to Medications – Up to 20% of all adult asthmatics experience an attack as a result of allergic reactions to medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and sulfites

During an asthma attack, the walls of the airways become inflamed and the mucous membrane covering the walls becomes swollen with fluid. Sticky mucus fills the remaining space, making it difficult to breathe. Because air cannot flow in and out of the lungs freely, a whistling or wheezing sound may be heard. During severe attacks, wheezing may stop because there is too little air moving to make any noise.

The key to diagnosing asthma is recognition of the recurrent symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, or wheezing. If these symptoms are present, a physician will perform a pulmonary function test, also known as a spirometry. The test measures the “peak flow,” which is the speed of air blown out of the lungs. Asthmatics have trouble blowing air out, and therefore have lower peak flow measurements. A normal range for peak flow is based on the person’s age, weight, and sex. Daily measurement of the peak flow at home is essential to effectively manage asthma. Decreases in peak flow will alert the patient of the need for further treatment or an emergency medical visit to the doctor.

To treat asthma, the first step is to avoid the triggers that you are sensitive to whenever possible. Prescription medicines are usually needed to combat asthma. There are two main groups of asthma medicines: bronchodilators, which help stop asthma attacks after they have started and anti-inflammatories, which help prevent attacks from starting.

After a course of treatment is prescribed, it is very important to check regularly with your doctor to make sure that the medicines are helping you.

What is Exertional Asthma ?

Posted on August 28, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Do your asthma attacks coincide with participation in physical activity such as exercise? As in all types of asthma, as the airways tighten, it becomes difficult to take a complete breath, and the airways produce extra mucous.

The symptoms of exertional asthma include:

 Wheezing
Tightness of the chest
Coughing
Feeling tired
Inability to catch your breath

Some activities that can lead to heavier than normal breathing such as recreational sports including: running, basketball, football, soccer, and aerobic exercise. These can lead to exertional asthma. Additionally, when the air is cold and dry, activities such as shoveling snow or walking for long periods of time can also trigger an asthma attack.

Other contributing factors of exertional asthma can include:

 Smoke or smog
High pollen counts
Having a cold or other respiratory infection
Chlorinated pools or other chemical irritants

Treatment of exertional asthma includes taking medications both on a regular basis and prior to doing strenuous exercise to limit symptoms and control breathing. Some activities and sports should be avoided if they bring on asthma attacks.

If you are experience difficulty breathing while participating in strenuous activities, you should consult with a pulmonary specialist for a complete respiratory evaluation. Please call 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

The Relationship Between Asthma and GERD

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

There is strong evidence that a relationship exists between asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). According to research, more than 75 percent of people living with asthma have GERD. The reason for this is not certain but studies show a relationship between stomach acid and airways.

GERD which is the reverse flow of stomach acid into the esophagus seems to worsen asthma. One explanation as to why this happens may involve stomach acid which flows back in to the esophagus irritating the throat, the airways and the lungs. It is also a possibility that the acid affects a nerve in the esophagus which causes the lungs to tighten.

Ways to avoid the effects of GERD include:

Raising the head of the bed by 6 inches to keep stomach acid from flowing back in to the esophagus
Waiting three to four hours after eating a meal before laying down
Eating smaller meals
Keeping your weight under control
Quitting smoking
Avoid eating fatty food, chocolate, spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomato sauce, coffee, tea, or alcohol before laying down

Speak to your physician about treatment options that may be best for you. You can also schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling .