Flu Season and Flu Vaccine

Posted by Judy Arbique Dec 17, 2007

Flu activity generally does not reach its peak until January or February in North America. Although immunization with this year's flu vaccine began in early September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that if you have not yet been immunized, it is not too late.

Some people resist getting vaccinated because they are convinced that the vaccine actually gave them flu the last time they were vaccinated. However, the virus in flu vaccine are killed so you cannot actually get flu from receiving the vaccine.

Another reason people give for not getting immunized is that the vaccine may not prevent infection with the strain of virus that will spread during this flu season. Although this is true, immunization may still provide some effectiveness due to antibodies produced against one strain of viruses that may protect against another strain of virus, or at least reduce the severity of infection and complications that arise from infection with flu.

There are two types of flu vaccine: the flu "shot" that many of us are familiar with and nasal spray flu vaccine. Your physician can help decide which preparation is best for you.

The vaccine contains three influenza viruses: two influenza A viruses (H3N2 and H1N1) and one influenza B virus. Approximately two weeks after immunization, antibodies against these three virus strains are produced providing rapid response against flu viruses if you become exposed to somebody who has the flu.

Flu vaccine is safe although some side effects may be experienced:

• soreness, redness or swelling at injection site
• low-grade fever
• aches

For more information on the effects and complications of flu and flu vaccine, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.