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by M. J. Joachim

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Predicting Future Flu Viruses

The flu shot works by exposing recipients to dead flu viruses. Our systems respond to viral exposure by developing antibodies that will defend against foreign intruders. As they do this, they protect against the ability for a flu virus to attach to cells and multiply. The flu vaccine we receive is different every year. Because flu viruses mutate annually, new flu vaccines must be developed that will combat their changes.

Anticipating Next Year's Flu

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) studies flu viruses as they appear. Through their research, they determine which flu viruses are likely to survive and cause outbreaks in the community. The CDC collects samples of many flu viruses during the year. They study them and make educated conclusions about which ones are likely to cause infection the following year. This process begins between January and February.

Making New Flu Vaccines

Once the CDC had decided which vaccines are expected to cause the most problems, scientists use genetic technology to combine past viruses with the most recent viruses collected. They then inject these new viruses into chicken eggs, so that they will grow and create a mutated vaccine for the population. These vaccines are inactivated to prevent people from getting sick. The goal is to expose recipients to the components of the virus, without enabling the virus to multiply in a new host. Thousands of vaccinations are developed annually through this process. They are distributed between August and September to flu clinics.

Sensitivities to Flu Vaccines

The flu vaccine is strongly recommended for those who are at high risk of getting the flu. Anyone with a compromised immune system is considered in this category. People who are at high risk of getting others sick should also get the flu vaccine. Several groups of people are advised to get vaccinated each year. They include:

People with chronic health issues like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease

Pregnant women, especially if they will be in their 2nd or 3rd trimester during flu season

The very young (infants and toddlers) and older people (over age 50)

Healthcare and education professionals

Some people should not be exposed to the flu vaccine.

People who are allergic to eggs and have certain illnesses, particularly Guillain Barr Syndrome should not get vaccinated.

Children under the age of 6 months. Their immune systems are not always able to build up the necessary antibodies to avoid getting sick.

Anyone who is already sick and being treated for another illness should talk to their doctor before getting a flu shot.

If you have a fever, it is advised that you avoid getting a flu vaccine. The fever indicates that your immune system is already pretty busy, so exposing yourself to another virus is not a good idea.

Anyone who has had an allergic to reaction to flu vaccines in the past.

Side Effects of Flu Vaccinations

While it not common, some people do develop side effects after getting their flu shots. The most common is soreness and redness at the site of injection. Some people will also develop a low grade fever. Mild achiness is not uncommon either.

It is impossible for anyone to predict with 100% accuracy which flu virus will spread throughout a community. Many strains of illness develop every year. While the flu vaccine protects against certain strain of the flu, it is possible to contract another virus and get sick. If this happens, it is necessary to get plenty of rest, and drink lots of fluids. It is also important to avoid sharing your germs with others.

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