The single best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu virus is to get vaccinated each year. Flu vaccines now come in more than one form. There is the “flu shot” and the nasal spray flu vaccine. The shot is an inactivated vaccine, containing a killed strand of the virus, that is injected by needle, usually in the upper arm. The nasal spray vaccine is made with live, weakened flu viruses, that does not cause the flu. Each vaccine contains three viruses that can change each year based on scientists’ estimations on which types may be circulating in a given year.

These vaccinations usually begin to provide protection about two weeks after treatment, giving the antibodies time to develop in the body, thus providing the ability to fight off the flu virus. It is important to get vaccinated as soon as your provider makes it available. September into January is considered to be “flu-season” and you want to be protected during this time. Anyone who wants to be protected can and should consider the vaccine yearly. There are very few health conditions that limit the ability to receive a flu vaccine. However, the nasal spray is not recommended for those who are pregnant.

The effectiveness of the vaccine depends on each individual. The age and health status of each person are contributing factors as well as the strain in the vaccine and the circulating strain of the virus. The shot and the nasal spray are equally effective in preventing the flu.

Side effects of the shot include fever, soreness at the site of injection, and general aches and pains. These symptoms are mild and should begin to subside after 1-2 days.

The nasal spray the side effects may include runny nose, wheezing,, headache, vomiting, muscular aches and fever , some being more prevalent in children than adults.

The nasal spray seems to be preferred by children and many adults who fear needles. Both are equally effective and should be considered a great alternative to being down and out with the flu. If you have ever had the flu, the ACTUAL influenza virus, you will gladly take a shot or a spray or whatever it takes to prevent yourself from going through that again.

No related posts.