Coronavirus: Information & Resources

 A Series of Articles on the Science Behind COVID-19

The (Other) Deadly Virus

By: Ahmad M. Rashid, MD, pulmonary and critical care physician, National Jewish Health
September 14, 2020

• Avoid contact with people if you are sick
• Cover your cough, sneeze
• Avoid large indoor gatherings, in places with poor ventilation
• Wash your hands or use sanitizer frequently
• Clean, disinfect, exercise, rest, keep yourself hydrated

How were influenza vaccines developed?

Fortunately, unlike our current nemesis, we do have effective vaccines against influenza. Influenza vaccines have been in use for U.S. military and civilians since 1945. The vaccines have undergone rigorous safety checks and improvements in the last 75 years.

Since the flu virus mutates frequently, each year a global group of very smart virologists, study the viral strains from around the world. They use complex computer algorithms, to predict which types of strains will cause disease in the coming flu season. The Federal Drug Administration then approves the vaccines against those strains each spring. The mass production starts in summer so that the vaccines will be available at your pharmacy or physician’s office by fall.

How do the vaccines work?

The inactivated viruses in the vaccines prime your immune system, causing it to form a memory against the virus. If you get exposed to the real virus later, the immune system quickly shifts into high gear, producing killer cells and antibodies that can nip the infection in the bud, before it can cause severe damage.

But do vaccines work?

Various organizations around the world have tested the effectiveness of these vaccines over the years by monitoring thousands of people who get the shots, to see if they get the virus.

Depending on the strain of virus circulating in a year, the vaccines have an efficacy of upwards of 50 percent, and in some instances up to 77 percent. Elaborate models show that mass vaccination reduces the influenza infection by 40-60 percent in the general population.

Are flu vaccines safe?

In the 75 years that people have been using these vaccines, remarkably few serious side-effects have been reported. Pain, slight fever, and body aches are the most common side effects. If you are allergic to eggs-there are “eggless” vaccines now available. Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), is a rare disease that affects the nervous system, and causes paralysis. GBS is linked is linked to a vaccine that was prepared in 1976-to deal with swine flu epidemic at that time. Since then, despite the ongoing fears, the risk of someone getting GBS after getting a flu vaccine has been shown to be miniscule. Something like one in a million or less. In fact, you have more chances of getting GBS after getting the flu!

There are so many vaccines-which is the right one?

• Ages six months to 65 years, in good health or pregnant— “Standard Flu Vaccine”
• Older than 65 — “High Dose Flu Vaccine”
• Older than 18 years and allergic to eggs — “Egg Free Vaccine”
• Ages 2-49 years, healthy, non-pregnant — “Nasal Spray Vaccine” (this has live, weakened virus, so talk with your physician before getting this vaccine)

Don’t we have medications to treat influenza?

There are currently four antivirals approved for treating Influenza. All of these work best if the medications are started within two days of the first symptoms, although doctors administer them even after that period of time for individuals with severe flu disease who need hospitalization. Antivirals can decrease the duration of flu symptoms.

Influenza pandemics and epidemics have ravaged human societies and have changed the course of history in the not too distant past. During these times, when all our lives have been impacted by yet another pandemic, it is even more important to pay attention to our health and the health of those around us.

Get vaccinated and stay safe!

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