14 DAY TRIAL // Many news outlets and TV stations, talk shows and radio programs around the world have discussed exhaustively about the pros and cons of getting vaccinated against the 2009 A H1N1 viral strain. The swine flu is extremely contagious and dangerous, and poses significant risks to old people and children, as they have the lowest levels of immune cells in their bodies. Their defense mechanisms are not yet, or are no longer, ready to fight such a dangerous viral strain, therefore many deaths caused by this type of flu have been recorded among these populations. But here are some of the reasons why you should take this vaccine.
The first thing you need to know is that there are many research institutes currently producing the drug. This means that the process through which this substance is obtained varies considerably among manufacturers. This should be always kept in mind when considering whether or not to get the shot. Various chemicals are placed inside each vial, for the purpose of making the vaccine last longer, and to keep it in mint condition for administration. Some of these chemicals may cause allergies in susceptible individuals. What everyone needs to understand is that people who get reactions to the new vaccine, or experience side-effects, do so on account of these substances and not the vaccine itself.
Secondly, a vaccine works relatively simply. Researchers incubate the viral strain they are fighting against, and then isolate it in special laboratory conditions. They extract antigens from the pathogen, which they then place in vials alongside substances to prevent them from altering. Once administered, these antigens cause an immune response inside our bodies, forcing the immune system to fight them off. As it does that, our defense mechanism produces antibodies, which annihilate the foreign antigens. After every trace of the virus is eliminated, the antibodies that are produced in the bloodstream prevent the same virus from invading the second time around.
What is also very important to know is the fact that it takes some time before the vaccine goes into effect. Healthcare experts say that the incubation period for the vaccine is roughly equal to the amount it takes for an average individual to get over the common cold. In other words, the full effects of the substance will be felt within one to two weeks. In addition, you should be aware that you can still catch the virus even after taking the vaccine and waiting for two weeks, if for some reason your immune system doesn't do its job properly. A small percentage of the population is affected by this issue, but then again getting vaccinated may help diminish the chances it has of becoming sick.
You should also know that getting the vaccine does not mean you cannot infect others. To a certain extent, you may carry the virus inside you for a while, and you may still pass it on to those in groups with an elevated infection risk, such as children, seniors, hospital patients, pregnant women and those with conditions of the immune system. To the greatest extent possible, you should avoid such contact even if you develop symptoms associated with the swine flu or not.
There is nothing off about the new vaccine. There is no conspiracy behind it, and no one is trying to control anyone's mind through it. The side-effects you are seeing come from a small percentage of the population, which suffers from various allergies, and other reactions to compounds in the vaccine, but not the vaccine itself. There is absolutely no reason not to get the shot, and by doing so you help protect yourself and others.