Commonly known as the flu, influenza in a highly infectious virus that severely attacks the respiratory system. Infecting more than 1 million people yearly, the availability of flu vaccines has aided in the prevention of the virus. In about two weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection develop in the body. These antibodies attack and destroy the virus, preventing infection.
What Is A Flu Shot?
Containing a killed influenza virus, the flu shot is an inactive vaccine that is given with a needle to prevent influenza, a viral respiratory infection that usually frequents the lungs. As the vaccine is injected, the immune system is stimulated into generating an immune response to the flu. Soreness or redness can occur where the shot was given and there's also the possibility of a fever. Symptoms usually last about two days. Soreness can also occur as the immune system creates the antibodies.
Age Significance
Health and age can influence the vaccines abilities. It is recommended that children are vaccinated up until they are of 19 years of age but not before they are 6 months old. Those over 50 should be vaccinated as well. Similarities between the virus strains in the vaccine and those in circulation strengthen the vaccines protection against the virus to about 70 percent to 90 percent in healthy people younger than 65.
Health Factors
The vaccine is also viable to anyone with particular chronic medical problems or anyone in contact with them. Health care workers and caregivers are usually vaccinated due to their higher risk of contraction. Nursing home residents who receive the shot are 80 percent less likely to die from flu related symptoms. Those inflicted with metabolic ailments or weakened immune systems are also encouraged to get vaccinated.
Flu Season
Although each vaccine contains two A viruses and one B virus, every year the virus vaccine combination is adjusted based on scientific estimation and international observation on what viruses will become airborne. Influenzas' activity is usually at its strongest around January, although an outbreak can occur as early as October. Being that the timing of the flu is unpredictable, some vaccinations are available from September to January and beyond.
New Vaccines
A nasal-spray vaccine was made available in 2003 but only for those healthy between the ages of 2 and 49 who are not pregnant. This live attenuated influenza vaccine, or LAIV as it's sometimes called, consists of live, weakened flu viruses that provide the same protection at the shot.
Considerations
Being that viruses for the flu vaccine are grown in eggs, shots are not for those who have severe chicken egg allergies. Those with prior flu vaccination reactions should also be cautious. People who are sick should wait until they have fully recovered to be vaccinated. Influenza can be carried out in those infected before vaccination, as well as during the two-week recovery period after being vaccinated before a tolerance is built. People are also at risk of being infected by viruses' other than the flu that circulate during flu season.
Tags: Being that, immune system, that provide, until they, virus about