How is Flu Vaccine Made? What's in it? Posted: 10-19-07 03:10am
how is a flu vaccine made and what is in
it
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Tylanas
Especially EHEALTHy
Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 12985
Thanks: 3
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Posted: 10-19-07 09:26am
Wow, good question O.o However, I don't
think this is a Debate question! I'm going
to move this somewhere more appropriate.
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Tylanas
Especially EHEALTHy
Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 12985
Thanks: 3
Thanked:0
Posted: 10-19-07 09:39am
The Influenza Vaccine is made like any
other vaccine: it contains the virus it
intends to protect you from. The virus is
dead or very weak so that your body can
identify it, fight against it with minimal
side effects, and be ready in case you
ever contract the actual flu. You can't
catch a disease you've already had, so by
injecting a vaccine and having your body
identify it, you are protected against
contracting the flu.
This is the actual process for making the
Flu Vaccine:
Flu Viruses type A and B are grown
starting in late summer in the whites
(albumen) of chicken eggs. This process
takes about two months. The viruses are
then extracted, purified, killed, and
dispensed into vials.
Thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative)
is used to preserve the vaccine on shelves
so it can get to the people who need it.
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thaliagoo
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 19 Nov 2007 Posts: 6 Location: ,
Posted: 11-19-07 02:00am
There are two types of flu vaccines, the
flu shot which has an inactivated flu
virus and the nasal flu mist which has the
weakened virus.
You cannot get the flu from the flu shot--
the virus is already dead. Your body will
make antibodies against the many epitopes
(distinct features) of the influenza virus
and thus you are protected if you
encounter a live virus later on.
The nasal flu mist is a weakened virus but
it is very unlikely you will get the flu
from the flu mist unless you are
immunocompromised (HIV, cancer, recent
transplant). It is not reccommended for
pregnant women or children. They should
take the flu shot instead.
