Flu Immune 500

Scientists have categorized the flu virus into three different main strains, A, B and C. These three strains are combined in a flu shot to give the maximum possible effectiveness. When injected, the shot contains only inactive or dead virus cells. These cells have usually been grown in chickens’ eggs. Because the virus is in an inactive form there are few, if any, side effects. Of course, those who are allergic to eggs should never be given flu shots.

A flu shot typically takes about two weeks to have its full effect. It works by triggering the response of a person’s immune system to produce antibodies against any invading flu virus. The immune system can then recognize and attack the virus with the appropriate antibodies when necessary.

Unfortunately, the flu virus can, and does, mutate in both its A and B strains. Thus, last year’s flu shot may not be totally effective against this year’s particular mutation. Anticipating the type and possible difference of any forthcoming virus is a difficult job for researchers. The slightest change in the virus is the major reason for needing an annual flu shot. The other reason is that immunity inevitably decreases over time.

Who should have a flu shot? Those over sixty-five years of age, anyone with a chronic disease of the heart, lungs, kidneys or liver, anyone whose immune system has been weakened, and small children over the age of six months, may benefit from a flu shot.

However, a different vaccine in the form of a nasal spray has been shown to be extremely effective, particularly with children. This vaccine is unlike the shot in the arm in that it uses an active weak form of the flu virus rather than dead or inactive cells. This means that slight flu symptoms may be produced in the short term. But it is still worth considering since children are undoubtedly the most contagious flu carriers as well as potentially its severest victims.

Perhaps the most important reason for highly vulnerable groups to consider flu shots is that, whilst the flu itself may feel exceedingly unpleasant, with its attendant feverish symptoms, it may be misdiagnosed as a heavy cold if, for some reason, communication regarding precise symptoms proves difficult. This situation can be especially dangerous if complications such as bronchitis or secondary bacterial pneumonia set in. Such complications are particularly serious for people with weak immune systems and can, in certain cases, prove fatal.

In today’s hectic world, especially in heavily populated areas, it makes sense to consider having a flu shot before the seasonal winter viruses occur. This is certainly the case if you work with vulnerable people, look after small children, are elderly, or cannot afford to take the necessary time for recovery that a bad case of flu will inevitably require.