FLU JABS

By Dr Roy Lamb

With the season changing and autumn on the way, national publicity will soon be drawing attention to the Dept. of Health recommendation that people over the age of 65 should receive immunisation against Influenza.

There is often a great deal of misunderstanding as to the nature of influenza, with confusion with other virus infections such as the common head cold or even some gastric upsets.

Influenza itself is caused by a specific virus, which changes year by year (by mutation), usually on a geographical basis. This allows public health scientists (virologists) to anticipate the virus most likely to cause an outbreak by identifying the virus that previously caused infection in another region of the world. Thus they are able to produce a vaccine which will stimulate the body's immune system to act as a defence against that specific virus, (but not necessarily against any new one that might suddenly appear). The preparation of the vaccines involves the use of hen’s eggs and certain antibiotics. It is therefore important that any history of allergy in a patient is elicited before any is administered.

The frequently mentioned lay persons fear is that by receiving the "flu jab" they will suffer a dose of the flu. This is a fallacy, although slight reactions can occur e.g. a sore arm or a mild malaise (aches and pains).

It is acknowledged that a significant number of people in the older age range, although eligible, are very hesitant to accept flu immunisation. However there are some particular groups who it is essential should be immunised. These are: - those suffering from chronic illness e.g. diabetes, a kidney disease, liver disease: cardiac disease, heart failure, coronary disease: respiratory disease, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma: impaired immunity due to disease or medication.

All this previous comment is not directly related to the current international problems of the spread of SARS (bird flu). This infection will require a very specific vaccine and a range of actions to limit its spread. It is not really within the same remit as standard influenza prevention. Should this problem arise, it will be a reminder of the 1918 Flu pandemic during which so many people died. There was a rhyme at that time:

"There was a little bird, his name was Enza

I opened the window and in flew Enza!"

My only memory (perhaps not exact) of a childhood rhyme:

"When I came home from school one day,

My mummy said be quiet and play

Because your daddy is in bed

In bed with Influenza

I crept through the house,

As quite as a mouse

I put my head around the door

And there to my surprise I saw

Just daddy's head upon the bed

But where was Influenza?

Influenza can be a most unpleasant and serious illness. Perhaps, although difficult, a light-hearted approach is the best attitude to take if one is afflicted. However immunisation would go a long way to prevent or attenuate such an illness.

[ Back to Scarlet Woman ]