Our risk of contracting the Influenza virus, AKA the flu, can be reduced by 40-50 percent with a simple shot.
And while a pill that combats man flu is still a while away, there are specific formulas created to ward off the various strains of flu and receiving one annually, is enough to help keep you safe.
Sure, the fact that we have that available to us is a medical marvel… but still, the idea of actually getting a needle is enough to put a lot of people right off the whole idea.
And when there are 250,000 to 500,000 people a year dying from the flu – it makes sense that experts are investing their time to discover new ways increase the use of shots.
This innovative patch could be the answer.
The patch has been tested on 100 people this week and approved for safe use in humans by experts.
Featuring tiny (almost pain-free) needles, the patch is placed onto the skin where the needles attach, then dissolve which is when the patch is then removed.
This update could mean people could painlessly self-administrator the flu shot and could lead to an increased number of people utilising the vaccination.
This alternative method to injection is being investigated for its potential to treat other disease and illness, such as treating polio.
A press release from the research team confirms the patch needs more testing before it’s available on the public market.
For now, the simplest way to improve your resilience against the flu is to have an annual flu vaccine. Every year, global influenza surveillance systems work out which viruses are circulating in the Northern Hemisphere winter.
What’s in the flu shot?
The flu vaccines available in Australia are all made from highly purified egg-grown influenza viruses, which are then killed and broken up into tiny pieces.
Small amounts of preservative and stabiliser may be used, depending on the individual manufacturers production process.
When the vaccine is injected, the body is fooled into believing it has been invaded by the virus, and produces an immune response. This kind of inactivated vaccine cannot cause influenza in the recipient.
DISCLAIMER: This is in no way gives you any flu symptoms, people. Like, NONE.
What don’t I know about the flu shot?
There is no live virus in the flu shot, so you cannot get the flu from the vaccine
The composition of the vaccine changes every year
All vaccines in Australia must pass stringent safety testing before being approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration
The influenza vaccine can be safely given during any stage of pregnancy. Pregnant women are at the increased risk of severe disease of complications from the influenza. Immunising against influenza during pregnancy not only protects the mother but provides ongoing protection to a newborn baby for the first six months after birth
