Flu Vaccines – How Well Do You Know Them?
Posted on 07. Feb, 2018 by admin in Canine Health
Flu Vaccines – How Well Do You Know Them?
Flu vaccines have been very popular over the past months as the infamous Swine Flu scare spread across continents. But how much do you really know about this immunization? Do you understand the means to take it, the possible side effects and the common myths about it? Well it would eventually pay off to learn.
Flu vaccines can be taken as a shot or a nasal mist. As injection, the flu shot contains killed flu viruses that will prepare your body to fight infection caused by live flu virus. The nasal mist vaccine on the other hand contains weakened live flu viruses. However, the mist is not ideal for people with weak immune systems.
Although flu vaccines reduce the chances of catching flu by up to 80%, there is no guarantee that you are 100% protected against getting sick. The benefit is that if you have gotten the shot and then still get the flu, symptoms will be fewer and milder.
On Side Effects
Most people don’t experience any side effects after having the flu shot. The most common side effects however are just soreness or swelling at the site of the injection and mild headaches or low-grade fever.
These side effects would usually last only for a day as the flu could knock you off for 2 to 3 weeks. Not mentioning complications associated with it such as pneumonia, sinus infections, and other respiratory problems.
Ironically, the common myth regarding flu vaccines is that taking the shot would actually cause the flu. That is not true. Flu shots are made from killed influenza viruses – making it impossible to catch the flu upon receiving it. Though, nasal spray flu vaccine is made from live viruses that may cause mild flu-like symptoms, but that’s just it.
Effective Preventive Measures
Actually there’s really no guaranteed way to prevent anyone from getting the flu – not even flu vaccines. As it is essential to know the basic details on this immunization, precautions are still the best way to protect you and your family.
For more information go to flu vaccines.
