This week- December 4-10 has been designated "National Influenza Vaccination Week". This is a very opportune time to remind everyone about "flu shots" and to educate about some of the myths linked to these shots.
The biggest myth is that flu shots can give you the flu. Injected flu vaccines are made from a virus that cannot cause infection. Often an individual can coincidentally catch the flu between the time of vaccination and the two weeks it usually takes for the vaccine to provide immunity. Some individuals feel tired which they mistake for "getting sick". This is often a sign of the immune system responding to the vaccine. Finally people who get a cold mistake it for the flu.
People on immunosuppresive therapy CAN be vaccinated but NOT with the nasal formulation which does not contain dead virus.
As far as asthmatics are concerned, there are no studies that show a definite reduction in asthma exacerbations in those who are vaccinated. There is however, a positive side in that asthmatics who are vaccinated may avoid the flu and therefore just have a healthier season.
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