Vaccines are specifically created for each virus
Although vaccines for some strains of the flu are effective and may reduce the flu symptoms, the continual mutation of the virus makes full immunity difficult to achieve. The seasonal flu vaccine may help a person infected with the swine flu by avoiding mixing the two flu types and thus creating a dangerous pandemic strain.
Swine flu vaccine can take half a year
A vaccine for a new virus is not immediately available. The isolation of a new virus is only the first step. The next step would be the manufactoring of a new vaccine with the virus. The new vaccine needs to be tested, prepared for mass production, produced and distributed. These processes take some time. Even when in a rush one wouldn’t expect first results earlier than in a period of three months. A rather general availability can require easily six months.
Sinw flu vaccines
After about half a year the swine flu vaccine is now being produced and is widely available. It is similar to the regular flu vaccine. There are two forms of the vaccine. One form of the vaccine is an injection. The injection contains dead swine flu virus cells. The other form of the vaccine is a nasal mist. The mist contains alive, but weak swine flu virus cells. Both of these vaccines are effective at preventing the swine flu and are available at doctor’s offices, some flu shot clinics, and public health facilities.
Side effects of swine flu vaccines
The side effects of the swine flu vaccine are nearly identical to the side effects that most people experience when getting the seasonal flu shot. These side effects include soreness and redness at the injection site for the injection vaccine, mild headache, and a general run down feeling. These side effects generally subside within a day or so. People that are allergic to eggs, however, should avoid both the swine flu vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine. Both of these vaccines are made with eggs and have some trace elements of eggs in them. Therefore, if you have ever experienced swelling, hives, or respiratory problems as a result of eating eggs or being exposed to eggs, you should not have the swine flu vaccine or the seasonal flu vaccine.
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