Flu-immunized Younger Adults Also Save Elders, Study Reveals

“This season’s vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses”, the CDC says. That vaccine, Tdap, is recommended for adults as one dose with a tetanus/diphtheria booster every 10 years. Still, if a flu shot doesn’t prevent flu every time, it often helps ensure a milder case. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu; then the benefits last for up to a year.

“The flu is very contagious”, explained Dr. Antoinette Rhynes.

“It’s amazing how once people see the disease up close, getting the vaccine suddenly raises up on their list of priorities”, said Wergin, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Wrong. Gastrointestinal viruses cause the “stomach flu” but these have no connection to the influenza viruses. However, if any of these viruses mutate during the intervening months, it is too late to reflect these changes in the vaccine. But a flu shot is still your best defense against the flu.

Currently, the only adjuvanted flu vaccine that has been licensed in the United States is a pandemic vaccine containing the ASO3 adjuvant, but as part of the pandemic vaccine stockpile it isn’t available to the general public.

A common misconception about the vaccine is that it will actually make you sick.

The researchers, however, did not find the same correlation between immunized children and flu contraction among those who are 65 years old and over. Because the nasal spray and the injection are shown to be equally effective, there is no preference this year. “Get your flu shot so you’re protected”. But those reactions are definitely worth avoiding potentially being hospitalized, or worse. Lesser reactions to eggs like hives or mild rashes pose no danger and are not a reason to avoid the vaccine, as long as the vaccinated are observed for 30 minutes after the vaccine is administered. “We do this for the safety of our patients and our staff. It takes all of us to help keep our community healthy during flu season”.

Giant is giving free coupon books to customers who get flu shot. For those of us with school-aged children, it often means, among other things, the beginning of cold and flu season.

This story is provided by Paris Regional Medical Center.