How does the flu vaccine work?

[FairyMum]

Not that I am thinking of having it, but both my FIL and a friend have recently had the flu vaccination and I am curious about how it works. Isn't the flu a virus ? I thought you coulnd't vaccinate against viruses? Can someone please shed some light on this for me?

Fairymum - you can only vaccinate against a virus.
Measles, German Measles, Mumps etc etc are all viral.

It works by injecting a small 'deactivated' dose of the virus into you. This starts an immune response which can easily fight it off.... your body then has the ability to produce a huge amount of antibodies should you come in contact with it again. It's the same as contracting an illness. You will be immune to it for a long time after you have recovered.

But some virues, such as the common cold, mutate so often that you will probably never be able to build up an immunity to it.

HIC is a retrovirus which apparently mutates every 9 hours!!

For baterial infections you get antibiotics to help you immune sytem along. Antibiotics DO NOT work for a viral infection.

Hope that helps.

Spelling mistakes all over the place!! I meant that HIV was a retrovirus....

I hope this also helps to explain why sometimes you get a fever after a vaccination.

Thanks MT2. I am still not sure I understand how they can vaccinate against the flu? Doesn't the flu virus mutate as often as the common cold?

You can vaccinate against bacteria as well- for example whooping cough and diptheria.

FM- the flu vaccine is a big guess- they try to guess how the virus will mutate and produce a vaccine that takes than into account. They could get it right but they could get it wrong.

Mutation is always a problem. Recent research has shown that the pertussis bacteria has mutated and the vaccine no longer protects against the new form of whooping cough.

Thanks both of you. That cleared things up for me

Fairymum - the flu vaccine is also different evry year to try and combat the current form of virsu on the loose. That is why it is recommended yearly. My father has breathing problems and has a vaccination every year.
I am supposed to have the flu vaccine as a health professional so that I won't go off sick. However, I have never had the flu in my life and am not keen to muck aroung with my immune system for the NHS.

I get the flu vaccine coz I'm asthmatic. But like others have said, its no guarantee.

I'm sure they mix a cocktail of different flu viruses that appear to be doing the rounds in that particular year.

Thanks Jimjam - I hadn't thought of that! I s'pose it's the same principal... introduce the pathogen in tiny amounts or a deactivate form?

Some flu vaccines are produced in chicken eggs so if your allergic to eggs you better check!

I have had the flu jab for the past 12years, except while pregnant because of my diabetes, I'm now 33years old. In all that time I have not had the flu, but have felt very lethargic,if anyone at home has a cold or flu, I think you just get a mild form of the VIRUS..............