Influenza Vaccines

Doctors are saying that it’s the time to start thinking about flu season. They warn of bad flu season, urge people to get vaccinated early. The vaccine usually takes about two weeks after the shot to become effective, so there’s no reason to wait to get one.

Flu always finds time to spread every year. The flu season usually starts in October. The viruses affecting people change from year to year. It’s really difficult to count   how many people and areas are at risk. The annual virus changes also b ring challenges to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine which flu vaccine to use every season.

There are 4 main types of flu viruses- A, B, C and D.

Antigenic Drift causes small changes in the genes of an influenza virus. This process enables the virus to replicate and produce new ones that are closely related to one another. The body’s immune system may not determine the new viruses, it can lead to the spread of flu. Antigenic Shift affects type A flu viruses. This process changes that prompt production of new proteins in influenza virus.

CDC said a vaccine can be effective to prevent any infection. A people should get a yearly vaccine.

A and B viruses cause the seasonal epidemics in the U.S. C virus causes respiratory illness. D virus affects cattle. It has no affect on human.

Last Thursday, President Trump signed an executive order that aims to modernize the way US develops flu vaccines. This order encourages us to get vaccinated. The goal is to create a more modern and rapid method of production with longer lasting results.  Experts say it takes the government about 6 months lead time and 9 lakhs chicken eggs/day to create a seasonful flu vaccine.

Australia recently experienced one of the worst flu seasons in recent years, and the Southern Hemisphere is good indicator of what will happen in the Northern Hemisphere.

Symptoms of flu:

•  Fever
•  Headaches
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Stuffy nose
•   Body aches
•     Sore throat

The flue shot is the best way to defence flu. The flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. It’s also important to wash hands stay home if sick.  Actually, the flu is spread by droplets which are made when individual coughs, talks or sneezes.