by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: February 05, 2009   Last Updated: January 01, 2010

What is influenza and why does it come back every year? It is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system. It affects the nose, bronchial tubes, lungs and throat. The body and science find a way to combat it. Then the viurs mutates and comes back in different forms each year. Our best defense may the be flu shot.

The influenza shot is injected in the arm of the patient. The vaccine helps protect children and adults from getting influenza. In about 70% of those who get the influenza shot do not catch the influenza at all. In those that still catch the virus there is a tendency to have a less severe reaction. It does help save lives.

Each year scientists from the Centers for Disease Control try to predict which strains of the influenza virus will most likely appear during that influenza season. There is a lot of time and research put into the effort to make sure there is the most accurate vaccine available. The vaccine usually covers three strains of the influenza and some years we get it wrong. The virus in the flu shot is inactive. This means that there in no possible way to get the flu from taking the vaccination in the form of a shot. The nasal spray is a different situation.

The shot stimulates the body's immune system. It tricks the body into thinking that is has experience the influenza before. So if the patient comes into contact with the influenza virus the immune system already has produced the antibodies to prevent the illness.

Some people have a mild reaction at the injection site. Many report local pain in the area, and some mild aches. Some even run a low grade fever, but that is still much better than dealing with the influenza.

Allergic reactions to the influenza shot can be life threatening. It is suggest if there is an allergy to eggs that the vaccination not be taken. The vaccine in not pure in and of itself. Some people choose to avoid it because it contains thimerosal and formaldehyde. These are not things we want to put in our bodies on a regular basis. The best thing is to weigh the possible consequences with the physician and make an informed and intelligent individual decision.

That standard recommendations are that adults over the age of 50, all care givers and children ages 6 months to 5 years get the influenza shot. Those over 50 tend to have a higher fatality rate from the complications of influenza, so it is extremely important for that age group. Again, this is a standard guideline. Check with a personal physician to make individual recommendations.

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