Are you thinking about getting a flu shot this year? Well if you are, but feel a little nervous then this article can help ease your anxiety. There are two types of vaccinations available. One is a nasal spray if you try to avoid needles like the plague, while the other is a syringe that comes in three forms.
Injection- The first most well-known option for flu vaccination is an injection, which is available in regular form, High-Dose, and Intradermal.
• Regular- In order to build an immune a response, which will make you less likely to catch the flu a regular flu shot contains the inactive virus. Your body will build an immunity to it, so if you are exposed the virus cannot take up residence.
• High-Dose- Like the regular version the shot contains antigen, which prompts the production of antibodies for a stronger immune system. However, unlike it’s predecessor this one contains four times the amount of antigen. This in turn creates an even strong immune response, which is way the High-Dose is recommended for people ages sixty-five and older.
• Introdermal- This last option has several differences and if you are skittish of needles, maybe perfect for you. First becoming available in 2011 and 2012, one of the differences is a smaller needle. With a smaller needle, the result is the requirement of fewer antigens. The final difference is the location in which the vaccine is injected. Instead of the muscle, the needle is injected through the skin.
Nasal spray- If you can’t stand needles at all, then this may be just the right alternative. Instead of antigen, the vaccination contains the live yet weakened virus.
All information found at : www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
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