The flu is the common name for influenza (pronounced: in-floo-en-za) a virus that attacks the respiratory system. When you’re ill with a virus, your body constructs up a defense system by making antibodies against it, so you don’t get that particular virus strain once again. Unfortunately, flu viruses change each yr, so you aren’t protected from getting the flu forever. You can do some things during flu outbreaks to avert getting sick. Wash your hands frequently, and avoid sharing cups, utensils, or towels with others.

If you do catch the flu, utilize tissues whenever you sneeze or coughing to avoid spreading the virus. Your physician may recommend that you get a flu vaccine to help you avoid getting the flu. Each year, scientists develop a vaccine made up of the flu viruses that are consider to be the ones often likely to infect people that year. Flu vaccine is provided as a shot or nasal mist. The shot contains dead flu viruses that won’t cause you to get the flu, but will make your body create antibodies that fight off infection if you encounter the live flu virus.

The nasal mist contains diminished live flu viruses. Because it contains live viruses, the mist is not for people with weakened resistant systems or certain wellness conditions. It is merely for healthy, non-pregnant people, between the ages of 2 and 49 years.

The ability of flu vaccine to protect an individual depends on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine, and the similarity or “match” between the virus strains in the vaccine and those in circulation. Testing has shown that both the flu shot and the nasal-spray vaccine are efficient at preventing the flu.

Side Effects from the Flu Vaccine:

The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated) so, you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are tenderness, redness, or puffiness where the shot was given, low grade fever, aches and pains. If these problems happen, they begin shortly following the administered shot and ordinarily by 1 to 2 days. Almost all people who receive flu vaccine have no serious problems from it. Nevertheless, on uncommon occasions, flu inoculation can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions.

Side Effects from the (VICP) LAIV. (FluMist®):

The viruses in the nasal-spray vaccine are weakened and do not cause severe symptoms often associated with flu sickness. (In clinical studies, transmission of vaccine viruses to close contacts has occurred merely rarely). In children, side effects from LAIV (FluMist®) can include runny nose, wheezing, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever. In adults, side effects from LAIV (FluMist®) can include runny nose, headache, tender throat and cough.