As the weather starts cooling and people start spending more time indoors, the reality of catching the flu becomes evident. This reality is made worse as the world deals with the spread of the H1N1 virus or as it’s commonly known, swine flu.
What are Influenza Vaccines Made of?
Vaccines are designed to boost the body’s immune system. Influenza vaccine is made up of parts of an inactive influenza virus (dead) or a version of the virus which doesn’t have the ability to cause an infection (inert). Once the vaccine enters the blood stream; the normal immune reaction kicks in. The body creates antibodies which attempt to rid the body of the injected virus. This serves to sensitize the body’s immune system. When the body is later confronted with the “real” virus, it is prepared and will effectively fight off the virus.
The Influenza Virus is Grown in Chicken Eggs
A weakened or inactive portion of the influenza virus is injected into the amniotic fluid of a fertilized chicken egg. In the egg and embryo the inactive virus finds a suitable atmosphere where it can multiply. Once it has finished growing, the fluid is removed and purified. This procedure is very limiting especially in cases where there may be a shortage of eggs. The reality of avian virus is real and technically avian flu or bird flu could diminish egg supplies which would lead to a shortage of influenza vaccines. Scientists are working on developing new methods that bypass the use of chicken eggs.
What are Antiviral Drugs Made of?
Antiviral drugs do not contain the active virus. They are designed to destroy the virus. Antiviral drugs are most effective when administered early in the infection. As the infection period lengthens, the virus is incorporated in the host’s cells. This makes it harder to stop. If the viruses are sopped before they enter the cells this can prevent the flu (illness) from occurring or can slow down the illness until the body is able to develop an immune response. Antiviral target viruses before they infest the body’s tissues; once in the cell antiviral drugs are ineffective against.
How Antiviral Drugs are Made?
Antiviral drugs are mostly chemical in nature and can be synthesized in a large scale. They are designed to inhibit viruses from replicating. There are a number of different antiviral drugs available. Their efficacy sometimes is questionable as viruses have a knack of mutating as they adapt to the antiviral drugs. Tamiflu and Relenza are two of the commonly used antiviral drugs to treat an influenza virus infection.
Taking antiviral drugs on a regular basis is not an economical feasible method to prevent an H1N1 infection; regular hand washing with soap and water or the use of a reputable alcohol based sanitizing gel are the easiest and low tech methods. The Center of Disease Control also recommends that people should keep their hands away from eyes and mouth. Vaccinations are another effective line of defense.
 |
