Different Virus Strains of Influenza and the Flu Shot

Getting a flu shot yearly protects you against different strains of the type A and B viruses that cause influenza. The flu is a viral respiratory infection that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes, death. Flu season varies all over the world. In the U.S., it starts in September and ends in April.

For most people, getting the flu only means feeling bad for a few days and having to miss work or school. Most cases are easily managed unless complications develop. Common problems associated with the flu include ear infections, bacterial pneumonia, and sinus infections. The condition can also worsen existing chronic conditions, like diabetes, asthma, or congestive heart failure.

Getting a yearly flu shot is the most effective way to protect yourself against the different types of flu viruses. Past vaccinations do not give you this protection because the viruses that cause influenza are constantly evolving. Yearly vaccines are developed to protect against the strains of viruses that are expected to be most common that year.

How the flu shot works

Flu vaccines contain dead or inactive strains of the viruses that cause influenza. There is no need to worry about the vaccine causing the flu, since the inactive stains do not have that capability. Injecting inactive viruses into a person’s body prompts their immune system to make antibodies to deal with the invaders.

The side effects that people sometimes experience after a flu shot are not symptoms of influenza. They are simply signs of the person’s immune system fighting off the inactive viruses in their body. The most widespread side effects of a flu shot include headaches, nausea, and fever.

Types

Flu vaccines used in the U.S. are known as quadrivalent vaccines because they protect against four different types of flu viruses: two strains of type A influenza viruses (H1N1 and H3N2) and two forms of the type B virus.

These vaccines are made from viruses grown on eggs in a lab. There are different types of vaccines for different age groups. The vaccine is typically administered by injecting patients in their arms.

Anyone over the age of six will benefit from getting the yearly flu vaccine made for the current year. These vaccines do not provide comprehensive protection against all variations of the viruses that cause influenza, but they do prevent about 60% of people who get the shot from getting the flu.

Anyone concerned about getting the flu should get the vaccine before the virus starts making its rounds. Ideally, this should be sometime in September, at the start of the new flu season. February is typically the peak of the flu season each year, so it is best to be vaccinated before that.

Protect yourself against the flu

The flu virus can lead to severe illness or even death. While such complications are rare, you do not have to take chances with your health when there are effective vaccines that can protect you from the viruses that cause influenza. Give us a call or stop by our Manassas clinic to set up an appointment to get vaccinated.

Request an appointment here: https://hoadly.millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care Manassas at (703) 673-1558 for an appointment in our Manassas office.

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