2011 FLU VACCINE: Facts about Shots, Sprays and Seasonal Protection
Posted on: 10/20/2010
If you are wondering what to do about vaccination this season, here are some answers to some key questions:
1. Do I need separate shots for seasonal flu and H1N1 virus this year?
Answer: Separate vaccinations won’t be necessary because the 2010/2011 seasonal flu vaccine actually has protection against H1N1 in addition to the seasonal influenza strains A and B. Although the activity of the H1N1 virus has declined, it has continued to circulate worldwide and is expected to pose another threat this fall and winter in the northern hemisphere. As a result of that, the WHO recommended that it be used in this year’s seasonal flu vaccine.
Each year the seasonal flu vaccine is composed of 3 different types or strains of viruses. They are chosen based on the information about what viruses have been spreading in different countries over the past year.
In addition to shots, the seasonal flu vaccine is also available in a nasal spray called FluMist. However, the FluMist is approved only for healthy people ages 2 to 49 and is an attenuated live vaccine. Those in the flu shot have only inactivated pieces of virus and, therefore, cannot cause infection. In the FluMist nasal spray, the viruses have been weakened so that cannot cause illness in healthy children or adults. It should be noted that the seasonal flu vaccine does not provide protection against flu viruses that are already in your body before you get vaccinated, or if while vaccination you happen to be exposed to someone waiting in line either in a doctor’s office or in a pharmacy that actually has transmitted the flu virus to you that day.
Another new vaccine for 2010 is called Fluzone High-Dose which is licensed for people 65 and older. It is identical to the standard flu shot, but contains 4 times the amount of each viral strain increasing the likelihood of an effective immune response in older adults.
2. Who should be vaccinated?
Answer: Starting this flu season, everyone 6 months and older should get the seasonal flu vaccine according to the new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC). Getting vaccinated is considered especially important for people who are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk of these complications. Those who are considered at increased risk of complications include older adults (age 50 and up), young children, pregnant woman and people with certain chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease) or weakened immune systems. It is important to recognize that flu complications in these susceptible populations can include dehydration, pneumonia and a worsening of those chronic medical conditions, which can lead to hospitalization and even death.
Every year in the United States, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and about 36,000 die of seasonal flu and its complications as reported by the CDC. 90% of the deaths during a regular flu season occur in ages 65 and older.
There are some people who should not be vaccinated. They include children less than 6 months old, people with severe egg allergies, people who have developed severe reaction to vaccinations such as Guillain-Barré syndrome.
3. When is the best time to get vaccinated?
Answer: There has been a lot of discussion about this, if one should wait until mid-October to November or if one should get it as soon as it is available in September. Current knowledge reflects that it is best to get the flu shot as soon as it is available in your community. It takes 2 or more weeks for the body to develop antibodies to the flu virus after vaccination. Hence, you want to make sure you get vaccinated before peaking of the flu season which normally in the northern hemisphere is December through March. However, as noted last year we actually had a flu season that was early in the spring. Hence, it is better to be prepared for the onset of the flu season which can begin as early as September or October.
4. How much protection does the flu shot provide?
Answer: This depends on whether there is a good match between the seasonal flu vaccine and the circulating strains of the current flu virus that is affecting patients. Research has shown that a flu shot is between 70-90% effective in warding off illness in healthy patients under 65.
There is now hope that the new high dose Fluzone will enhance immunity in those 65 and older.
Another myth that has to be dispelled is that the flu vaccine can actually cause flu. As mentioned, the flu vaccine has inactivated pieces of the virus, but no possibility to cause an infection.
All in all, the best single way to prevent the flu is to get the seasonal flu vaccine shot each year. In addition, other healthy habits would provide additional protection. They include:
1. Keep distance from those who are sick.
2. Avoid crowds during peak flu season if possible.
3. Realize flu viruses travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks. You can also inhale the droplets directly or pickup germs from common objects, tabletops, doorknobs, shopping carts etc.
4. Frequently wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. It is best to wash with soap and water for 15-20 seconds or you can use the alcohol-based hand gel containing at least 60% alcohol.
5. Additional protection is provided by eating right and getting enough sleep. Poor diet and lack of sleep can lower your immunity and make you more prone to infections.
If you do develop the flu symptoms such as runny nose, cough, fever, chills, body aches and fatigue, the important thing is to stay home and not infect anybody else. In addition, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. If you are at risk because of complications because of your age or health, you should be in contact with your doctor.
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