How often should you get a flu shot? - Melvin Sanicas

Summary

Every year, a new flu vaccine is needed due to the influenza virus's high mutation rate and over 100 subtypes. Vaccines work by introducing antigens for the immune system to recognize, but the flu's RNA structure allows for rapid genetic changes, making it difficult for the immune system to keep up. Despite challenges, vaccines often provide protection even against mutated strains, reducing illness severity and supporting herd immunity.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Flu vaccines are developed annually because the virus mutates rapidly and has over 100 subtypes.
• 🛡 Vaccines for diseases like mumps provide lifelong immunity, unlike the flu vaccine which needs updating yearly.
• 🔬 The flu virus's RNA nature allows for faster mutation rates compared to DNA viruses.
• 🧬 Mutations in the flu virus can lead to new variants that may evade immunity provided by previous vaccines.
• 🏭 The flu virus hijacks host cells to replicate, leading to the production and spread of new viral particles.
• 💉 Vaccines work by introducing antigens to stimulate antibody production, which helps the immune system recognize and fight the virus.
• 🌀 The flu vaccine must be updated as new strains emerge and existing strains mutate.
• 🌍 The World Health Organization convenes experts twice a year to decide which strains to include in the upcoming vaccine.
• 💪 Even if the vaccine doesn't prevent infection, it can reduce the severity and duration of illness.
• 🤝 Vaccination contributes to herd immunity, protecting those who cannot receive the vaccine.
• 🧪 The flu shot cannot give you the flu; it contains an inactivated virus, and side effects are a normal immune response.

Q & A

Why is it necessary to design a new flu vaccine each year?

A new flu vaccine is needed annually because the influenza virus has over 100 subtypes that change from season to season, and it mutates more quickly than many other viruses due to its RNA nature.

How does the flu virus replicate within a host?

The flu virus replicates by entering a host cell, expelling its genetic material into the nucleus, where the host's cellular machinery starts replicating viral genes instead of the host's own, creating more copies of the virus.

What is the difference between DNA and RNA in terms of virus mutation?

DNA has a built-in proofreader that recognizes and corrects mistakes during replication, whereas RNA lacks this mechanism, allowing for faster mutation and the creation of new virus variants.

How does the flu vaccine work?

The flu vaccine contains antigens similar to those found on the virus surface. The body recognizes these as foreign and produces antibodies tailored to match the antigens, helping the immune system to quickly identify and fight off the virus if encountered.

Why is it challenging to create a vaccine for a virus that mutates rapidly?

Rapid mutations can alter the virus's surface compounds enough that previously developed antibodies may not recognize them, reducing the vaccine's effectiveness.

What is herd immunity and how does the flu vaccine contribute to it?

Herd immunity occurs when a significant portion of a community is immune to an infection, providing indirect protection to those who are not immune. The flu vaccine contributes by preventing carriers from spreading the virus, even if they themselves do not get sick.

Can the flu shot give you the flu?

No, the flu shot cannot give you the flu. It contains an inactivated virus that is not capable of causing illness, though it may cause temporary side effects like tiredness and aches as the immune system responds.

What is the role of the World Health Organization in the development of the flu vaccine?

The World Health Organization gathers experts twice a year to analyze circulating strains and their mutations, determining which strains to include in the upcoming season's vaccine.

How many strains are typically included in the quadrivalent flu vaccine?

The quadrivalent flu vaccine includes four strains of the influenza virus, chosen based on expert analysis by the World Health Organization.

What is the purpose of a universal flu vaccine?

A universal flu vaccine aims to protect against any strain of the flu virus, including mutated ones, eliminating the need for annual vaccinations.

Are there any alternatives to the flu shot?

Yes, some parts of the world use an inhaled vaccine that contains a weakened live virus, which is safe for the vast majority of people, except those with compromised immune systems.