Each year, many myths and misconceptions circulate about "flu shots." People tend to have a variety of opinions about whether they are worthwhile and whether they actually make a difference in terms of protection against the flu. One reason for this is that the effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary from season to season. Additionally, there are a number of factors that contribute to the likelihood that the flu vaccine will protect from the flu.
This year, you may have heard that the "flu shot" may not protect against the flu. What this means is that the vaccine may not be very well matched for the actual influenza viruses that are making people sick. While this doesn't mean that the flu shot won't work, a recent alert from the Centers for Disease Control suggests that over 50 percent of the viruses being seen in patients may be structurally different than those included in this year's versions of the flu shot.
The traditional flu shot works by exposing you to particles or weakened versions of the influenza virus. After receiving the shot, your body builds antibodies in response, "arming you" against the flu. Each year, the viruses in the shot must be suggested by the scientific community a year in advance. Some years they are right, some years not.
Sixty percent of healthy individuals typically become protected from the flu after receiving the influenza vaccination. People with chronic illnesses often have a lower response rate. For example, patients with kidney disease and those who are on dialysis typically have an antibody response rate as low as 30 to 40 percent. Patients with kidney transplants may also have a similar lowered response rate. Even with the lower response, flu vaccination is very important.
This year, since the flu shot may not contain the proper viral particles, everyone, but especially those with compromised immune systems, needs to be more aware of their risk for developing the flu. Here are five tips to be a flu survivor this season:
- Wash your hands frequently. Flu spreads by person-to-person contact. Wash your hands frequently during the day and always before eating. As you make direct physical contact with other people, by shaking hands, or indirect contact, such as through public transportation, make sure to wash your hands or use a sanitary gel containing alcohol to remove virus particles from your hands. Good, old-fashioned hand washing still remains the best way to prevent the spread of the flu and to maintain your own health.
Flu shots may still protect you and others from getting the flu -- it's not too late. Follow these tips to get through the flu season, and for more health tips this holiday season, visit the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org.