I got my flu shot today...

Nurses General Nursing

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I got my flu shot, and I was very brave, and I didn't cry, and the Dr. said when he makes rounds next week he will bring me a sucker. I'm very proud.

Specializes in LTC, home health, critical care, pulmonary nursing.

I guess I'm displaying my ignorance here. :) Why is it that you can still get the flu even with a flu shot? What is it about dead viruses that keeps you from getting the flu?

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Specializes in LTC, home health, critical care, pulmonary nursing.

I guess I'm displaying my ignorance here. :) Why is it that you can still get the flu even with a flu shot? What is it about dead viruses that keeps you from getting the flu?

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

The flu vaccine developed each year can only address a few strains out there. The most prevalent ones seen in Asia first--- usually. There are 1000s of viral strains out there that cannot be addressed in one vaccine. Also, being a virus, the flu can "mutate" at anytime, like HIV and Hepatitis can. That is why it cannot be "cured" to date, or completely prevented. When you are getting a "flu" vaccination, you are getting protection from the flu strain believed to be most prevalent and deadly, that is it. Does this help?

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

The flu vaccine developed each year can only address a few strains out there. The most prevalent ones seen in Asia first--- usually. There are 1000s of viral strains out there that cannot be addressed in one vaccine. Also, being a virus, the flu can "mutate" at anytime, like HIV and Hepatitis can. That is why it cannot be "cured" to date, or completely prevented. When you are getting a "flu" vaccination, you are getting protection from the flu strain believed to be most prevalent and deadly, that is it. Does this help?

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

The attenuated viruses are "found" by the human immune system, attacked and "memorized" at that point. This means, you get a killed virus in your body, the immune system attacks it, and when exposed to it again-----attacks it more efficiently. The desired effect is, you will prevent actually becoming ILL when actually exposed to the flu itself. Being exposed to the viral remnants by vaccination signals your immune system to recognize this virus, attack it with great efficiency, and hopefully eliminate it with minimal illness or symptoms. This is how most vaccinations work, from flu to Rubella. Hope this helps! :)

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

The attenuated viruses are "found" by the human immune system, attacked and "memorized" at that point. This means, you get a killed virus in your body, the immune system attacks it, and when exposed to it again-----attacks it more efficiently. The desired effect is, you will prevent actually becoming ILL when actually exposed to the flu itself. Being exposed to the viral remnants by vaccination signals your immune system to recognize this virus, attack it with great efficiency, and hopefully eliminate it with minimal illness or symptoms. This is how most vaccinations work, from flu to Rubella. Hope this helps! :)

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Specializes in LTC, home health, critical care, pulmonary nursing.
The attenuated viruses are "found" by the human immune system, attacked and "memorized" at that point. This means, you get a killed virus in your body, the immune system attacks it, and when exposed to it again-----attacks it more efficiently. The desired effect is, you will prevent actually becoming ILL when actually exposed to the flu itself. Being exposed to the viral remnants by vaccination signals your immune system to recognize this virus, attack it with great efficiency, and hopefully eliminate it with minimal illness or symptoms. This is how most vaccinations work, from flu to Rubella. Hope this helps! :)

You learn something new everyday! Thanks. I was VERY VERY brave. I was. I was brave.:coollook:

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Specializes in LTC, home health, critical care, pulmonary nursing.
The attenuated viruses are "found" by the human immune system, attacked and "memorized" at that point. This means, you get a killed virus in your body, the immune system attacks it, and when exposed to it again-----attacks it more efficiently. The desired effect is, you will prevent actually becoming ILL when actually exposed to the flu itself. Being exposed to the viral remnants by vaccination signals your immune system to recognize this virus, attack it with great efficiency, and hopefully eliminate it with minimal illness or symptoms. This is how most vaccinations work, from flu to Rubella. Hope this helps! :)

You learn something new everyday! Thanks. I was VERY VERY brave. I was. I was brave.:coollook:

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Can helath care workers get the Flu mist vaccine or are they unable to because that is a live vaccine?

Yes they can providing they meet the criteria (under 50 years old, not pregnant, etc.). The CDC relaxed their recommendations this year based on the shortage.

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Can helath care workers get the Flu mist vaccine or are they unable to because that is a live vaccine?

Yes they can providing they meet the criteria (under 50 years old, not pregnant, etc.). The CDC relaxed their recommendations this year based on the shortage.

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i am in high risk group....over 65...had ca surgery this year....health care worker...can't get a flu shot for love nor money....md office will not get it .. work only had enough for residents...health office will offer some on friday but they have already said they do not have enough to go around...the last time i had the flu it came back like every two/three weeks for the whole winter....

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i am in high risk group....over 65...had ca surgery this year....health care worker...can't get a flu shot for love nor money....md office will not get it .. work only had enough for residents...health office will offer some on friday but they have already said they do not have enough to go around...the last time i had the flu it came back like every two/three weeks for the whole winter....

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