Everything about the flu vaccine

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a flu virus, called the H1N1, spread worldwide and caused 12,000 flu related deaths in the US during 2009-2010. Approximately 37% of the American children received the H1N1 flu vaccine in 2010, according to the statistics released by the CDC. Flu seasons are unpredictable and can be fatal for many. Some people think of the flu as a minor disturbance in their daily life, but its outcomes can at times be severe and life threatening.

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?

Influenza was considered a deadly disease until the flu vaccine was developed in 1944. Even today, seasonal flu touches almost every person during any given year. The following people are at high risk of serious flu illness:

1. Children younger than six months

2. Pregnant woman

3. Adults of age 65 or more

4. People with chronic lung diseases, blood pressure, heart problems, neurological conditions, asthma, liver and kidney disorders

5. Healthcare workers

6. Family members of the sick person

Types of Flu Vaccine

According to Medline Plus, each year 5%-20% people in the United States contract the flu. Doctors advise the prevention of flu by getting a flu vaccination each year. There are two types of flu vaccine:

1. Flu shots: The traditional flu shot is an inactivated vaccine that contains the killed virus and is administered through a needle. This vaccine works for infants, teenagers as well as elderly people. Even pregnant women and people with chronic diseases can take this flu shot.

4. Nasal spray: This spray is administered up the patient's nose and works with people 2-49 years of age. It is not suitable for pregnant women and people with chronic diseases.

After a few weeks of the vaccination, antibodies develop in the body that protect against the flu virus.

When to Get Flu Vaccine

CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends for yearly flu vaccine in the United States to prevent the increasing risk of flu related deaths. Yearly vaccination for flu should be administered during September to May, as these nine months constitute the time of highest risk for flu.