The influenza vaccination, also known as the flu vaccine or flu shot, are administered every year during the flu season. The flu season occurs during the cold winter months and varies slightly from region to region. The season is different from north to south hemisphere and the flu vaccination should be received anywhere from three months to two weeks prior to the flu season’s arrival.
Why is the flu worse in winter?
The reason the flu increases in winter is still unknown, but some theories have been proposed. One reason is that people are more likely to stay indoors in the cold weather, increasing the risk of person-to-person transmission. The virus lives longer on surfaces in the cold, which increases the likelihood of transmission, is another proposed theory. Another possibility is that the cold air is drier, which dehydrates mucus and decreases resistance to infective organisms.
Different strains of the flu
There are a vast number of different strains of influenza virus. Swine flu and bird flu are two examples of the many strains of influenza in existence. Due to mutations of influenza strains, the flu vaccine is only useful for about one year. Flu viruses are categorized into three families; A, B and C. Each year the flu vaccine is composed of two strains from influenza virus A and one strain from influenza virus B.
The strains of influenza chosen by flu vaccine manufacturers depend on the latest mutations and most common strains of the flu virus at that time. Even though each vaccine only specifically addresses three viruses, immunity is increased for dozens of flu virus strains because of the virus similarities. This makes flu vaccination very effective against many strains of influenza.
Who should get the flu vaccination?
People who might get the flu and have more severe complications as a result of infection with an influenza virus and people who have decreased immunity should receive the flu vaccine every year. These include people with:
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Cancer
- The elderly (>65 years of age)
- Healthcare workers
People who shouldn’t get the flu vaccination are those with a high allergic sensitivity to eggs and patients with a history of Guillain Barre Syndrome.
Is the flu vaccination effective?
While the necessity of the flu vaccine has been debated, there are numerous studies showing the effectiveness of the flu vaccination as providing immunization to recipients and decreasing infection. It has been proven to prevent death, infection and hospitalization from the influenza virus. It is not 100% effective, but according to the New York Times, a recent study revealed it was 75% effective in preventing hospitalization against the complications of the flu virus.
Side effects of flu shots
Getting the flu vaccination can cause side effects. Most side effects are mild, but sometimes, very rarely, they can be severe. The rarest and most severe side effect from flu vaccination is when a person has a life threatening allergic reaction to the injection, known as an anaphylactic reaction. The issue of Guillain Barre Syndrome is addressed under ‘H1N1 swine flu vaccination.’ More common symptoms caused by the flu vaccination include:
- Soreness, redness and swelling at injection site
- Sore throat
- Mild fever
- General and muscle aches
- Headaches
- Tiredness or weakness
- Runny nose
H1N1 swine flu vaccination
The H1N1 swine flu vaccine is as safe as regular flu vaccines. There has been fear that flu vaccines, specifically swine flu vaccine, are linked with Guillain Barre Syndrome, but this is speculation and has not been conclusively proven. The likelihood of developing Guillain Barre Syndrome from being infected with the flu virus is significantly greater than getting Guillain Barre Syndrome from a flu vaccination.
Due to the severe illness that can be brought on when a person is infected with the flu, flu vaccination is a good idea. Becoming infected with the flu can be a big interruption to life and can spread to your family members. With flu shots proven to be effective in decreasing the severity of the disease and hospitalization, getting the vaccination should be seriously considered.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Source:
Altman, L. K. "Panel Advises flu Shots for Children up to Age 18," New York Times, February 28, 2008.
Rhys Emmanuel - Living and doing development work as a medical professional in Asia has given me unique insight into many areas of life and work and a ...
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