Flu Vaccine

The inactivated influenza vaccine is designed to prevent influenza infections. Influenza is not simply a common cold; it is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can range from mild to severe and can even lead to death. Symptoms typically appear suddenly following a short incubation period of 1 to 3 days.

Influenza viruses are known for their ability to undergo genetic variations. They can slightly change, merge with other influenza virus genetic material, re-assort, or even mutate over time. This characteristic allows the virus to evade the immune protection gained from previous infections or vaccinations.

Consequently, individuals who have had the flu or received a flu vaccine in the past may still be susceptible to infection by a virus that has changed its genetic makeup and is currently circulating in the population.

These genetic changes in the virus can lead to periodic flu epidemics, necessitating the need for annual flu vaccinations. Each year, different strains of influenza are included in the flu vaccine to provide protection against the strains that are anticipated to circulate. Although the immunity from the flu shot does not diminish significantly after a year, the vaccine must be updated annually to guard against new virus strains. Each new vaccination strengthens your total immunity against the flu. Immunity to the flu shot does diminish over time, but is not totally lost.

At our clinic, we administer the quadrivalent flu vaccine, which protects against four different strains of the virus. Since 2010, the vaccine has included protection against the deadly H1N1 strain, along with three other strains projected to be prevalent that year. Common side effects of the flu shot include mild fever and soreness at the injection site.

It is recommended that all children aged 6 months and older receive a flu shot. If your child is receiving the vaccine for the first time and is under the age of 9, they will need two doses administered at least one month apart.

In summary, getting a yearly flu shot is crucial for you and your family. It can be life-saving. To understand the importance of influenza immuni- zation and the potential for deadly outbreaks, you can learn about the 1918 influenza pandemic, also known as the Spanish Flu, by conducting an on- line search. The photos are very instructive as to the potential devastation of a virulent strain of the flu.