Hopefully it will help you stay healthy or give you some insight for this Flu season.
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As October quickly approaches, flu season inevitably follows
suit (though its peak isn’t until about February). Like any medication, the flu
vaccine does not work as effectively in each individual, as our genetic makeups
(as well as factors such as age and health) cause our bodies to react
differently to various medicines. There are also medical factors that determine
how effective the flu vaccine will be each year.
Annually, scientists attempt to identify what strains will
be prominent in the coming flu virus, so that their vaccines will provide a
good “match” to fight it off.[1]
Some years the vaccine is more accurate than others. Thirdly, already having a
chronic disease may also decrease the effectiveness of a flu vaccination.[2]
Knowing these facts, while thinking about flu vaccinations, a question that may
come to mind is, “Does a flu vaccination really work and should I even get one?”
The immediate answer is yes!
Unfortunately every year, approximately 36,000 people die
from complications related to influenza.[3]
The flu vaccine works best among healthy, young adults.[4]
One big misconception people have is that a flu vaccination will prevent you
from contracting a common cold. If you get sick during the “flu season,” it
does not mean that the vaccine did not work; you may simply have a common cold
or another type of illness.[5]
Though different variables play a part in how effective your
flu shot will be, it is nevertheless highly recommended that you still get a
flu shot, as it generally reduces chances of contracting the flu anywhere from
70 percent to 90 percent.[6]
Experts suggest getting the flu shot early, as it takes up to two weeks for the
vaccine to kick into full operation mode. In this case the phrase applies—“It’s
better to be safe, than sorry!”
--Yasmine Arrington ‘15
[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Seasonal Influenza (Flu): How Well
Does the Seasonal Flu Vaccine Work? http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm.
[2]
Vaccines Health Center. “Flu Vaccine Effectiveness: How Well Does It Work?” http://www.webmd.com/vaccines/how-effective-is-flu-vaccine
[3]
Lacombe, Andrew. “Flu Season is Coming, are you getting a vaccine? Fox11. http://www.fox11online.com/news/local/green-bay/flu-season-is-coming-are-you-getting-a-vaccine
[4] Vaccines
Health Center. “Flu Vaccine Effectiveness: How Well Does It Work?” http://www.webmd.com/vaccines/how-effective-is-flu-vaccine
[5]
Ibid
[6]
Ibid
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