Influenza Vaccination
Influenza viruses change every year because the influenza virus has the ability to change its surface structure. This means that even if you had the flu or an immunisation one year, your body’s immune system might not able to fight the changed version of the virus that will be travelling the following year.
Each year, a new vaccine is developed (usually called the seasonal vaccine) and is available for those who wish to be immunised. Immunisation should occur between March and May, before the onset of the flu season. Protection develops about two weeks after the injection and lasts for up to one year. Most cases of influenza occur within a six to eight-week period during winter and spring.
The influenza vaccine cannot give you a dose of flu because it does not contain live virus. Some people may still contract the flu because the vaccine does not always protect against all strains of the influenza virus circulating.
Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.
The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Traditional flu vaccines are made to protect against three flu viruses; an influensa A (H1N1) virus, influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus.
Note that the Influenza vaccine is not approved for children younger than 6 months of age. People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with or without a fever should wait until they recover to get vaccinated, and People with a history of Guillain–Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS) that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine and who are not at risk for severe illness from influenza should generally not receive vaccine without talking to a health professional before hand.
Each year, a new vaccine is developed (usually called the seasonal vaccine) and is available for those who wish to be immunised. Immunisation should occur between March and May, before the onset of the flu season. Protection develops about two weeks after the injection and lasts for up to one year. Most cases of influenza occur within a six to eight-week period during winter and spring.
The influenza vaccine cannot give you a dose of flu because it does not contain live virus. Some people may still contract the flu because the vaccine does not always protect against all strains of the influenza virus circulating.
Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.
The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Traditional flu vaccines are made to protect against three flu viruses; an influensa A (H1N1) virus, influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus.
Note that the Influenza vaccine is not approved for children younger than 6 months of age. People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with or without a fever should wait until they recover to get vaccinated, and People with a history of Guillain–Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS) that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine and who are not at risk for severe illness from influenza should generally not receive vaccine without talking to a health professional before hand.
Other Ways to Avoid Influenza
To avoid influenza people should stay away from those infected and stay home if sick. It also is important to wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Eating utensils can be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap and do not need to be cleaned separately. Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at home, work and school, especially if someone is ill. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw your tissue in a plastic-lined rubbish bin after use. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread that way. The best way to prevent contamination is to receive the annual vaccine.