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Posted on April 1, 2006 by Jason Petrina | Posted under Health
Flu Vaccination: Types Of Flu Virus
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The flu vaccine is manufactured using an inactivated or killed viral vaccine. During the manufacturing process, the flu viruses are actually grown inside chicken eggs and then are later harvested. A chemical process is used to kill the live flu virus. After purification and testing for safety, the vaccine is ready to be used in order to vaccinate humans. There are actually many different varieties of the flu. Researchers and scientists determine which strains will be most predominant during the upcoming flu seasons and use these strains in the manufacturing process of the flu vaccines for that upcoming season. Of course, no vaccine is 100% effective; however, the flu vaccine has proven to be quite effective in preventing the contraction of the flu. This depends; however, on the selection of the flu strains to be used in the production of the vaccine. If researchers and scientists inaccurately predict which strains will be most predominant during the coming flu season, then the vaccine will not be as effective. Generally, when the right strains are chosen and matched for the vaccine production, it is anticipated that the vaccine can be up to 90% effective. This percentage only relates to healthy adults; however, and does not take into consideration the very young or the elderly. The percentage of effectiveness will be lower in these populations. In fact, research estimates that the percentage of effectiveness in these populations may be as low as 30%. Despite these low percentages in person who are considered to be frail; however, the flu vaccine has shown to be capable of protecting against some of the most severe complications of the flu; including pneumonia; which can lead to hospitalization and death. Usually, most flu vaccine campaigns are begun in October and conducted throughout November due to the fact that most outbreaks of the flu tend to occur in the winter. The vaccine is administered using a needle in a shot given to the arm. The liquid vaccine then penetrates to the muscle. Persons who have had the vaccine previously will only require one shot; however, persons who have not previously had the vaccine will need two shots, spaced one month apart. Each year flu vaccine recommendations are issued based on a variety of factors. Usually it is recommended that all persons who are aged 50 are older should obtain the flu vaccine, as well as residents of nursing homes, persons with chronic heart and lung diseases, children with asthma, persons with diabetes and hemoglobin disorders, persons with weakened immune systems such as transplant and cancer patients, persons with HIV and anyone receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In addition, all health care workers, persons caring for people in high-risk groups, children ages 6 months to 18 years who are at risk for developing Reye Syndrome and women in the second and third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season. The flu vaccine is considered to be safe for almost everyone; although, there are some situations in which you should not get the vaccine. These situations include persons who are allergic to eggs and acute illness with fever. About The Author: Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com |
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