Flu nasal mist out, shot in

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - This year's flu season is about to kick in, but the virus itself is a tale as old as time.

Influenza pandemics have been reported for at least 500 years.

And while science has come a long way in terms of vaccination, it's not always a sure thing. In fact, last year's nasal mist version had a poor response and is therefore not recommended this year.

However, the actual shot is still highly recommended for most people.

Here's what you need to know about this year's flu, courtesy of Dr. Paul Decker, a family medicine physician in The Woodlands.

WOL: How do health professionals determine which strains of flu will be included in this year's vaccine?

Decker: The WHO (World Health Organization) and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) rely on multiple individuals to monitor samples of influenza viruses as they spread across the world.

The WHO usually meets in February to review information gathered on flu samples taken throughout the year. Factors include public health practices, travel patterns, weather patterns and changes in the genetic makeup of the virus.

From this discussion, recommendations about which strains are most likely to cause influenza in our part of the world are made to vaccine manufacturers, and they begin making the flu shots for that season.

WOL: What is new or different about this year's vaccine?

Decker: For flu Type A, the WHO selected a Hong Kong antigen to replace the Switzerland antigen used last year. Also, the Type B virus antigen was changes from Phuket last year to a Brisbane antigen this year.

WOL: Some people say they catch the flu from the flu shot. Is that possible?

Decker: There is no complete or intact virus used in the flu shot, which is why you cannot actually get an infection from the flu shot – there is nothing to even be able to cause an infection.

These flu particles are designed to stimulate our immune system as they teach our body how to fight off the influenza virus. This immune system stimulation can result in symptoms of fever, chills, body or muscle aches and fatigue as it is “fighting off” the particles we are vaccinated with. This can give flu-like symptoms that many people mistake for an actual influenza infection.

WOL: Do you have anything else you would like to add?

Annual influenza vaccination is the primary means of preventing influenza and its complications. Influenza A and B are the two types of influenza viruses that cause epidemic human disease. When our bodies develop immunity to the flu surface antigens, it reduces likelihood of developing an infection.

Visit www.texasflu.org for more information about flu in Texas.

For more information about Dr. Paul Decker, visit www.drpauldecker.com