Newswise — Don't worry, it's not too late. October and November are the perfect time to get that flu shot according to Dr. Daniel A. Hussar, Remington professor of pharmacy of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.
"The time is now to derive the optimum benefit," Hussar said of getting a flu shot. "Typically, it takes two weeks after receiving the flu shot for its full protective effect to develop. If someone hasn't gotten the shot, it's not too late."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 15 to 60 million people in the United States (five to 20 percent of the population) will get the flu. Of that, more than 200,000 people will be hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people will die from flu.
Hussar recommends the flu shot as the best option for protection. The flu shot contains a killed influenza virus that when injected causes the body to form antibodies against the virus. Another option, the nasal-spray flu vaccine, contains a weakened version of the live influenza virus.
"Personally, I feel that the flu shot is the best option," Hussar said. "The mist is safe, but it has more restrictions on its use. For example, it's recommended that it not be used during pregnancy whereas the flu shot is strongly recommended to be taken by women who are pregnant."
Feel perfectly healthy and can resist the flu? Hussar still recommends that even healthy individuals get the flu shot, especially those who are in contact with family members who may be ill or young children. Even healthy people can act as a carrier for the virus and can transmit it to others who are more vulnerable to developing the infection and experiencing its complications. The flu shot helps to reduce that risk.
The flu shot provides protection against many strains of the flu virus. Since, the viruses mutate on a continuing basis, the composition of the flu vaccine is changed from year to year. The CDC and other groups monitor which strains are most prevalent and most likely to be an issue in the upcoming flu season. They develop the vaccine to combat the strains that are most likely to occur.
Not all stains of influenza are accounted for. As of now, there is no vaccination against the Avian or Bird flu, a more virulent strain of the virus. Hussar is confident that there will not be a shortage this year. Additionally, flu shots should be available more widely not only because of the greater supply but also because of an increased number of individuals who are authorized to give immunizations, including pharmacists.
"When it comes to flu shots " get it," Hussar said. "The supply seems to be sufficient to cover everybody who tries to get one."
University of the Sciences in Philadelphia is a private, coeducational institution founded in 1821 as Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, the first college of pharmacy in North America. It is where the founders of six of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world launched their futures. Comprising four colleges across a broad range of majors, USP specializes in educating its 2,500 students for rewarding careers through its undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in pharmacy, science, and the health sciences.
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