Are Flu Shot Complications for Real

Influenza popularly knows n as flu is a seasonal viral disease that occurs majorly in countries with cold climates and harsh weather conditions. There is a lot that comes with the Christmas snow in most cosmopolitan cities. Winter periods are periods that give people mixed feelings due to its harmful and beneficial effects it poses to a city and its inhabitants. Winter is widely known for its beautiful scenery and opportunity for various sports such as skating and skiing. Kids in different countries also love the opportunity to build a snowman and participate in various interesting events that come with snow accumulation.

There are different types of diseases and infections that come with the winter period such as influenza, rhinovirus, and pneumonia. The most common of this numerous disease is influenza (flu). Influenza is a viral infectious disease caused by influenza virus. It could be mild, moderate or severe depending on the severity. The symptoms of influenza often start 2 days after exposure and last for about a week. There are different complications that come with influenzas such as viral pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia, and sinusitis. This infectious disease can be prevented by frequent hand washing and wear a surgical mask.

Vaccination is the best way recommended by the world health organization and center for disease control for the prevention of this disease. This vaccine helps in reducing the mortality rate of these infectious diseases. However, despite the beneficial effects of these vaccines, there are some feared adverse effects such as allergy to the flu shot itself or some of its components.  The most common allergic reaction to the flu shot is due to the hen ‘s egg residue used in the preparation of the flu shot.  These vaccines have short lifespan and viability due to the increased mutation of influenza. Flu can be treated generally with increased duration of sleep, hydration, and antiviral drugs.

Can You Get a Flu Shot if Allergic to Eggs?

Contrary to the general misconception and opinion about flu shot been dangerous to people allergic to eggs. The truth backed up scientific researchers is that there are two different types of flu vaccine. Some vaccines are made of components not containing egg residues or egg proteins. while egg containing vaccines are been modified for people allergic to eggs.

One of the most boring and typical questions for doctors when administering flu shot is what are you allergic to eggs? This is a frequent question because of the egg residues present in flu shots. However, it has been discovered and approved by CDC  and WHO ( world health organization) that the quantity of egg residues present in the flu shot is not enough to stimulate an allergic response in people allergic to eggs.   The answer to this famous question is yes, you can get a flu shot if allergic to eggs without any fear of complications or adverse effects. The prevalence of these diseases is the main reason why it is advisable to administer flu shots to children 6 months and above. Take your child to the nearest doctor for their flu shot, even if they are allergic to eggs. This fear and myth concerning egg allergy and flu shots have been debunked by science and research and yes, it is safe to prevent your kids and yourself from future influenza infections.  The rate of anaphylaxis reaction caused by the egg residue (ovalbumin) present in flu shots causes an allergic reaction is 1.31 per 1 million influenza vaccines and flu shot was given (CDC), the chances of reacting to flu shots containing vaccines are very low.

 

Does Tamiflu Stop Flu Symptoms?

Tamiflu is an antiviral drug used in treating flu which is characterized by fever, chills, headache, and runny nose. It is an effective antiviral for the prophylaxis of influenza in people within the age range of 1 year and above. It is more effective when administered 48 hours from the onset of the symptoms. Tamiflu is a trade name for the drug called oseltamivir. This drug is popularly known for its ability to stop flu symptoms and reduce your recovery duration by a minimum of a day. It is often prescribed for people with low immunity or presence of other concomitant diseases such as diabetes, asthma, respiratory and nephrological disorders. Taking Tamiflu guarantees that you would recover 1 day faster than those that do not use this antiviral drug. It is often used for treating flu in people within the age range of 2 weeks and above and prophylaxis in people 1 year and above. However, it is not a substitute for the flu vaccine.

What if I Have an Allergy to the Flu Shot?

Allergy to the flu shot is very rare especially in people allergic to eggs or poultry related products. However, there are some minor cases of hypersensitivity reaction reported in some people at the site of the injection. These reactions are not due to the flu shots but as a result of injections which could result from other vaccines as well. Allergy is not enough reason to avoid the flu shot and lose out from its numerous benefits.

What About the Flu Shot While Pregnant?

Pregnancy is a condition that requires special attention because the mother and the fetus are predisposed to different medical conditions and infections. Pregnant women are advised to take flu shots because of the risk of flu complications such as pneumonia. Taking flu shots while pregnant can also help in preventing post-parturition complications in the baby. The life of the newly born baby is endangered if the mother was infected with flu while pregnant without flu prophylaxis. Children are not allowed to take flu shots in most countries until they are 6 years of age.

Can you be paralyzed from Flu Shots?

 Flu has not been discovered to cause paralysis and other medical conditions. However, there have been different cases that link flu to the Guillain-barre syndrome, which is a medical condition in which the body’s own immune system attacks its nerve cells. This disease is often characterized by paralysis.

Flu shots can be used in the prophylaxis of influenza, which is the etiology of the cold-related diseases called flu. It is better to be saved than sorry, get your flu shot now and save yourself the extra stress that comes with flu.

References

Vaccination: Who Should Do It, Who Should Not and Who Should Take Precautions | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC. (2017). Cdc.gov. Retrieved 8 February 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/whoshouldvax.htm

Misconceptions about Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccines | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC. (2017). Cdc.gov. Retrieved 8 February 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm

Duda, K. (2017). Why You Shouldn’t Get a Flu Shot While You’re SickVery well. Retrieved 8 February 2018, from https://www.verywell.com/what-will-happen-if-i-get-a-flu-shot-while-im-sick-770545