Key Facts About Flu Vaccine

What we commonly refer to as the Flu vaccine actually protects against the three

types of influenza viruses that researchers indicate might attack the population in the flu season. The composition of flu vaccine may alter from one year to the next based on the research findings and worldwide surveillance of what viral strains might be in circulation.

Flu vaccine occurs usually as two types:

Tradition flu shot that is administered using a needle. The shot contains the killed virus. Healthy individuals between the ages of 6 months to 65 years are eligible to receive a shot. The shot is usually administered to the arm. These shots can further be divided into three categories: regular shot for individuals aged 6 months and over, high dose flu shot for the elderly (65 and above), and an intradermal shot for those aged between 18 and 64.

Nasal spray to administer the flu vaccine contains a live, weakened form of the flu viruses. This form is not to be administered to pregnant women and is approved only for healthy individuals aged 2 to 49. This form of vaccine is termed LAIV or Live Attenuated Influenza Virus.

The favorable time for receiving your flu vaccine should be before December. The vaccine takes about 2 weeks to become effective as the antibodies take that time to develop inside your body. The flu season may set on as early in the year as October and so it is recommended to get your shot as soon as it is available on the market.

Most individuals should get vaccinated to keep them healthy but those at high risk should be particularly vaccinated in order to prevent flu-related complications in their health. Very young children and older individuals, and those who live in long-term nursing facilities as well as pregnant women are susceptible to flu-related complications. Those who work with or care for sick people, i.e. doctors and health care workers should also get vaccinated annually. Most people experience some mild side effects like swelling and redness at the spot where the shot is injected, low fever and some aches. LAIV may also cause runny nose and vomiting.

There are some people who are not candidates for taking a flu vaccine. Those who are allergic to chicken eggs or have had prior severe reactions to any flu vaccine, babies under the age of 6 months and those who are suffering from a moderate to severe illness accompanied by fever should not seek out vaccination without consulting their doctor. Those patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome are not recommended.

by: joycarena

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