How the Flu Vaccine Works
Flu vaccines are available as a shot or nasal mist. Given as an injection, the flu shot contains killed flu viruses that will not cause the flu, but will prepare the body to fight off infection by the live flu virus. Getting a shot of the killed virus means a person is protected against that particular type of live flu virus if he or she comes into contact with it. The nasal mist vaccine contains weakened live flu viruses. Because it contains live viruses, the mist is not for people with weakened immune systems or certain health conditions.
Even if you or your child may have gotten the vaccine last year, that won’t protect you from getting the flu this year because the protection wears off and flu viruses constantly change. That’s why the vaccine is updated each year to include the most current strains of the virus.
The flu vaccine reduces the average person’s chances of catching the flu by up to 80% during the season. Because the vaccine prevents infection with only a few of the viruses that can cause flu-like symptoms, it isn’t a guarantee against getting sick. But even if someone who’s gotten the shot gets the flu, symptoms usually will be fewer and milder.
Side Effects
Again, most people do not experience any side effects from the flu shot. According to the CDC, the flu shot rarely causes serious harm. Some of those vaccinated may have soreness or swelling at the site of the injection or mild side effects, such as headache or low-grade fever.
Although these side effects may last for a day, the flu can knock you off your feet for 2 to 3 weeks and can cause complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and other respiratory problems.
If your child does have symptoms after getting the flu shot, put a warm compress on the injection site to ease soreness or swelling, and give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for headache or low-grade fever. Do not give your child aspirin unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
A common myth about the flu shot is that it can actually cause the flu. But the flu shot used in the United States is made from killed influenza viruses, which means that it’s impossible to catch the flu by receiving it. However, because the nasal spray flu vaccine is made from live viruses, it may cause mild flu-like symptoms, including runny nose, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever.
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