Johns Hopkins Health Alert
Flu Shot Alert
Can I get the flu from a flu shot? Read the answers to this and other questions about the flu.
October and November are the best months for vaccination, but a shot in December or even later can still be beneficial. Amidst the reminders and recommendations to get a flu shot, many people remain unsure about side effects, the availability of a nasal vaccine, and whether or not a flu vaccine is needed every year. Here are answers to some common flu questions.
Q. Can I get sick from the shot?
A. It is impossible for the flu shot to give you influenza. The vaccine is made up of parts of dead influenza virus, incapable of causing illness. It works by stimulating your body’s immune system to build a defense against antigens found on the virus. Some people experience a mild fever, fatigue and muscle aches soon after receiving the flu vaccine. This is not the flu. These symptoms show that your body’s immune system is hard at work, producing antibodies to fight the virus. These side effects (which can occur after receiving any vaccine) can be managed with over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin.
Q. Do I need a shot every year?
A. Yes. There are many different types of influenza virus. Types A and B cause infection in humans. Each type has many different subclasses with different antigens. Because the influenza virus constantly mutates slightly, these different subclasses change and new ones develop, making it harder for the body to continue to recognize and fight them. Every year, health officials predict the strains of virus most likely to cause widespread illness. These are the strains contained in the vaccine for that particular year and the strains you will build immunity to after receiving your shot.
Q. Does the flu shot always prevent the flu?
A. No, not always. The effectiveness of the vaccine depends in part on your general health. Illness can compromise effectiveness. In addition, people over 50 generally mount less of an immune response to the vaccine. Thus, if you’re over 50 and receive a flu shot, you remain susceptible. But if you catch the flu after a flu shot, the vaccine will provide you with some protection. Usually, a vaccinated person will have a less severe illness. And the shot prevents prolonged illness, hospitalizations, complications such as pneumonia, and deaths associated with the flu. The take-home message is: Get your flu shot!
Q. Can I use a nasal vaccine instead of a shot?
A. Not if you’re 50 or older. The nasal vaccine is only approved for healthy people aged 5 to 49. The formulation, called FluMist, differs from the flu shot in that it contains alive, attenuated virus. This means that instead of being a killed vaccine that is absolutely incapable of causing the disease, FluMist contains a live form of the selected strain that has been weakened from its natural state. As you age and your immune system slows down, you may not be able to fight against the live virus.
Posted in Lung Disorders on September 5, 2006
Reviewed June 2011
Medical Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician. Click here for additional information: Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Disclaimer
Notify Me
Would you like us to inform you when we post new Lung Disorders Health Alerts?
Comments
Health Alerts registered users may post comments and share experiences here at their own discretion. We regret that questions on individual health concerns to the Johns Hopkins editors cannot be answered in this space.
The views expressed here do not constitute medical advice, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins Medicine or Remedy Health Media, LLC, which has no responsibility for any comments posted on this site.
Hi.......At first I was thought to have pulmonary fibrosis but I have since been diagnosed with COPD. I don't know a lot about it but I know that your immune system scars your lungs trying to protect them. I'm also sorry to tell you that it's not a very nice disease to have and there is no cure that I know of.
I think you would do better to look on the internet for pulmonary fibrosis. I use the net to find out all kinds of stuff. You could also try to find John Hopkins or Mayo Clinic on the net. They would have a lot of information for you.
Sorry I couldn't help you more. Lots of good luck to you........Ellie
Posted by: HEARTZAP | January 4, 2007 12:19 AM
Post a Comment
Already a subscriber?
Login
New to Johns Hopkins Health Alerts?
I would like to hear from someone who has pulomary fibrosis. I have it and do not know anyone else who does and I don't really know what's ahead. Thank you
Posted by: kacey | November 28, 2006 3:28 PM