Swine Flu, the much feared flu that is responsible for the deaths of more than 1000 people in India since May 2006, is back in the news by killing almost 19 people till July 2010!
Swine Flu had created widespread alert worldwide with hundreds of people suffering from H1N1 virus infection and risking those around them, taking the scale of a pandemic. Now with the arrival of the monsoons, more swine flu cases are reported every day. But there are vaccines developed that can protect you from the virus, this article will give you more information about them.
About Swine Flu
Swine flu is a respiratory ailment, which is caused due to the infection of the virus mostly found in the respiratory tract of pigs. Swine Flu was detected as early as the 1920s, but this strain of H1N1 virus which caused swine flu in 2009 shows strains of human, avian (bird) and swine (pig) virus.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of Swine flu are similar to those of flu-
- Fever (more than 100o F)
- Sore throat
- Chills
- Nasal Secretions
- Fatigue
- Headache and body ache
For some-
Who should take the Swine flu vaccine?
According to Dr. Agam Vor, Chest physician consulting in Cooper Hospital, “All those who frequently travel, have kidney ailments, are smokers, have diabetes or are the family member of a swine flu patient must take this vaccine.” He adds that everyone needs to be vaccinated from swine flu, since it is an air borne disease and everybody is at risk.
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says that -pregnant women, those who care for children younger than 5 years and all those between age of 6 months and 24 years and those who are older than 24 years and suffering from ailments like diabetes should get themselves vaccinated.
Who shouldn’t take the swine flu vaccine?
It is stated in the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention website that those who have a life threatening allergy against eggs should not get themselves vaccinated. It is recommended that anyone with strong allergy should consult the doctor before taking the vaccination.
Further for the intranasal vaccine, it is not recommended to be taken by pregnant women. All those who have a weakened immune system or are suffering from heart, kidney, liver, lung ailment or disease or those who suffer from metabolic disasters like Diabetes or from blood disorder like Anemia, and kids under the age of 5 who suffer from asthma or wheezing should not take the vaccine. Also those who are in close contact with someone with severely weakened immune system should not get themselves vaccinated with intranasal vaccine.
About the Immunity provided by these vaccines
Though vaccines provide immunity against the particular virus for life, most vaccines are effective for about a year or two. This is because viruses tend to change their structure frequently and it takes about a year before a new strain of virus emerges. Thus you need to get yourself immunized every year to avoid swine flu.
Types of Vaccinations:
Intramuscular Vaccine
- Single syringe shot- It is the most preferred vaccine which is administered through a shot in the arm. It can be administered to a wide range of people ranging from those healthy to those with chronic ailments. Unlike the intranasal vaccine, it contains dead virus.
- Multi shot vials- These contain thimerosal - a preservative that prevents the contamination of the vial. Though extensive study does not show any adverse side effect; since thimerosal contains mercury, many want to give it a miss.
Intra nasal Sprays- These are directly administered in the nasal cavity; it is a non invasive vaccine which uses live, but weakened virus to create immunity. It can be administered to anyone from the age of 2 to 49 who does not have any underlying ailment.
Indian Made Vaccines:
Vaxiflu S is an egg based swine flu, single dose vaccine, produced by pharmaceutical major Cadila Healthcare and is priced at Rs. 350. It is the first vaccine produced in India, since independence. It is a prescription vaccine which cannot be bought over the counter at the chemists. It can only be taken by those over the age of 18.
Side effects – General side effects include fever, chills and mild soreness. A rare risk for a neurological disorder named Guillain Barre Syndrome.
Nasovac is the second vaccine produced in India, developed by Serum Institute of India. It is an intra nasal spray in powder form, which needs to be directly delivered in the nasal cavity. It is priced at Rs. 158 per dose and is available in the 5-vial pack for Rs. 790.
Side effects- For children- cold, fever, running nose, headache, cough wheezing and occasional stomach pain and vomiting, for adults-runny nose, chest congestion, sore throat, headache.
Which is a better vaccine for swine flu- intra muscular or intra nasal spray?
Dr. Agam says “It is quite debatable but since we are taking the intra muscular influenza vaccine from about 7 years (for influenza), so I personally recommend intramuscular.”
Here are the benefits and Drawbacks of both the vaccines to help you make your decision
Intramuscular Vaccine
Benefits-
- It contains dead virus
- Can be administered to most people including those with weak immune system and pregnant women.
- It is more effective against Swine flu
Drawbacks-
- Is to be administered by an injection which is more invasive and painful than a nasal spray.
Intranasal Vaccine
Benefits-
- Is non invasive, can be administered directly through the nose.
- Is said to be more effective than intramuscular because it travels in the same pathway as the swine flu virus.
Drawback-
- Cannot be administered to those over 49 years of age.
- Cannot be administered to those with weakened immune system or pregnant women.
- The vaccine works well in the cooler passages of the nose but not in the warmer environment of the lungs.
If you are not vaccinated-
- Cover your mouth whenever you are sneezing.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap.
- Clean hard surfaces like door knobs and remotes with a cleaning product.
- Use a hand sanitizer when outside.
Swine flu is extremely contagious and spreads through air, so it is difficult to prevent swine flu effectively without a vaccine, especially those in the risk group need to get themselves vaccinated.
