Tuesday, October 20, 2009

How effective is the flu Vaccine? - and side effect of the Vacine

How effective is the flu Vaccine :
Vaccine effectiveness varies from year to year, depending upon the degree of similarity between the influenza virus strains included in the vaccine and the strain or strains that circulate during the influenza season. Vaccine strains must be chosen 9 to 10 months before the influenza season, and sometimes mutations occur in the circulating strains of viruses between the time vaccine strains are chosen and the next influenza season. These mutations sometimes reduce the ability of the vaccine-induced antibody to inhibit the newly mutated virus, thereby reducing vaccine effectiveness.
Vaccine effectiveness also varies from one person to another, depending on factors such as age and overall health.

The side effects of the vaccine :
Influenza vaccine is very safe. It is rare to have any side effects other than some swelling or soreness at the injection site. A few people may get a mild fever, headache and flu-like signs, such as aching muscles. These reactions start in 6 to 12 hours and last 24 to 48 hours.
With any vaccine or drug there is a possibility of a shock-like reaction (anaphylaxis). This can be hives, wheezy breathing, or swelling of some part of the body. If this happens, particularly swelling around the throat, immediately get to your family doctor or hospital emergency.
It is suggested that persons stay in the clinic for at least 15 minutes after receiving any type of immunization.

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