How the yearly influenza vaccine strains are selected.

How the yearly influenza vaccine strains are selected.

Here's a good explanation:
[link to www.youtube.com (secure)]

It's all about the haemagglutinin which is one of the antigens on the surface of the influenza virus.
It is the "H" in H1N1. The "N" is neuraminidase, another antigen on the surface of the influenza virus.
There are 18 subtypes of the haemagglutinin glycoprotein named H1 through H18.
More detailed, yet readable, info here: [link to en.wikipedia.org (secure)]
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The above addresses only the surface antigens of the virus; it is not the same as the different genus/species of the virus known as Type A, B, C:
[link to en.wikipedia.org (secure)]
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In any event, the reason for the yearly flu vaccination is mainly because of antigenic drift of the haemagglutinin antigen. Research is now being done to make a "universal" flu vaccine which works off the viral capsid molecules and should be much, much more long lasting; thus, no more yearly flu vaccine.
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As the doctor in the vid says:
"So even though the vaccine sometimes is only 40 or 50 percent effective, that's better than 0% effective, which is what the efficacy is when you choose not to get the vaccine."
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Remember to get your flu vaccination this fall.
I get mine when I do my candy shopping for Halloween. Linking the timing makes it easy to remember.
I also always ask for the multi-dose version with the Thimerosal™ in it but I have had no luck as my doctor or my pharmacist only stock the single-dose, Thimerosal™-free versions.
That's OK. I just go home and have a tuna salad sandwich, getting my MDR of Hg, and all is right with the world.
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Have fun and be safe.


R.
Edited to put the quote in italics.

Last Edited by Reality420 on 09/05/2018 12:34 PM