Cold 101

The influenza vaccine is formulated annually to protect against the most common forms of the flu. While no single formulation can cover the wide variety of virus mutations, the vaccination process has been shown to help reduce the health risks from the virus, especially among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

Studies have shown that nearly 3 in 4 patients who are administered the vaccine avoid the flu during the winter season, although additional studies have calls into question the effectiveness of the vaccine, giving the high level of variability in the influenza virus. While a scientific debate remains open, data suggests that the vaccine can help prevent serious illness among those most vulnerable, even if it does not cover the exact strain of the infection in question. It remains to be seen how well the vaccine will be against serious outbreaks, such as the Avian flu or the strain which infection millions in 1918, but scientists continue to improve the formulations.

While there are minor side effects that last a few days, related to those of the common cold, most patients are quick to overcome these minor symptoms. The vaccines are reformulated on an annual basis, so you should make sure to check with your local clinic on a regular basis.