The
flu shot is a vaccine given to prevent the flu. It's currently the
only vaccine that is given once per year, generally in the fall. Though
anyone who is interested can get a flu shot, certain people are advised
to receive it for health reasons.
When a person becomes infected with a disease-causing organism such
as a virus, a "fight" takes place inside the person's body.
The fight is between the organism and the person's immune system.
During the fight, the person will often have symptoms of the infection.
In most cases, the immune system eventually wins the fight and the
person gets over the infection. The immune system usually has a good
memory after a fight with an organism. This means that if the same
organism tries to cause another infection in the same person, the
immune system will attack it immediately and often prevent a second
illness.
A vaccine is a substance given to prevent an infection by a specific
organism. Vaccines give the immune system a "memory" of
a certain organism without having to actually catch the infection
first. Most vaccines contain proteins that resemble the organism,
thus stimulating and preparing the immune system. This gets the immune
system ready for attack in case the organism ever enters the person's
body. The end result is that infection is prevented.
The influenza virus causes the flu. Most people have experienced the
flu at some point during their lives, which usually occurs during
the winter and early spring. Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough,
weakness, headaches, muscle soreness, loss of appetite, and nausea.
The illness generally lasts 3 to 7 days, and the severity of symptoms
varies. Young, healthy adults generally recover from the flu within
a week and are fine. However, for those who are older or have other
medical problems, the flu can be a life-threatening illness.
There are two reasons that the flu shot must be given every year.
First, the immune system has a rather short-term memory when it comes
to the flu. The protection from the vaccine often only lasts a few
months, which is one of the reasons the flu shot is given just before
flu season starts.
Second, the influenza virus is quite "sneaky" and is able
to change its physical appearance fairly often. The immune system
is unable to recognize the changed form of the flu. This means that
a person is at risk for a new infection every year or two because
the immune system is not prepared to attack this new form of the virus.
| These
people include: |
- All
adults 65 years of age or older;
- All
residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes;
- Children
and adults with serious diseases affecting the lungs, heart,
kidneys or metabolism;
- Women
who will be in the 2nd half of pregnancy during the flu season;
- Health
care workers and those who care for those at high risk from
the flu.
|
The
flu shot is given by injection, usually into the upper arm. The vaccine
is ideally given between October and November of each year. Anyone
who is interested in avoiding the flu can receive it. However, people
with a greater health risk from the flu are advised to receive the
vaccine every year.
Like any form of therapy or treatment, there are possible side effects
from the flu vaccine. These side effects are mild and not experienced
by many people who receive the vaccine. Side effects at the injection
site include pain and redness. Some may even get a fever and very
mild flu-like illness for a day or two. More serious side effects,
such as allergic reactions, are extremely rare but have occurred.
It's important for people to alert their doctor if they are allergic
to anything or have had previous vaccine reactions.
The flu is a common illness that affects most of the people at some
point in their lives. Receiving the flu vaccine is an easy way to
prevent this viral infection from occurring. Those with a higher risk
of getting or transmitting serious influenza infections should speak
with their doctor about receiving the vaccine this fall.
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