All about Viruses and Vaccines
While we’re still enjoying the “dog days” of summer, cold and flu season is just around the corner. As you prepare for another winter of (hopefully) good health, it helps to understand viruses – and the vaccines that can support your immune system.
A virus is a tiny microbe that usually causes disease; they are genetic material considered “non-living” until they enter a host cell. Unlike bacteria, viruses can’t replicate on their own – they need the host cell to grow. Once the virus invades, it uses the host cell’s reproductive mechanisms to make more of the virus and spread. While many bacteria are beneficial to humans, most viruses are harmful, and since they aren’t technically alive, antibiotics can’t target and kill them – which is why your doctor won’t prescribe antibiotics for a bad cold or any other virus. Unnecessarily using antibiotics can lead to drug-resistant bacteria known as superbugs that are very difficult to eradicate.
Vaccines, on the other hand, can target viruses. They work by tricking the body into making antibodies. Typically, a very weak form of the virus that isn’t strong enough to cause disease is introduced through an injection; the body doesn’t recognize that it is a weakened form of the virus and makes antibodies in response. The antibodies quickly destroy the weak virus and then store memory cells that can recognize and attack the virus again, if needed.
If patients have concerns about vaccines, “we first determine what their specific concerns are,” many of which can be allayed by the FDA’s extensive research required to approve a vaccine. “We always encourage our patients to educate themselves with information from trusted sources,” said Clinic Sofia Nurse Manager Jodie Chaffee, RN. “When reading about medical issues, avoid blogs since many people use exaggerated stories and scare tactics to increase the number of followers. Proven recommendations from objective and accurately performed research are a better resource.”
As with any medication, there is a risk of side effects from vaccines; talk to your doctor if you have questions about the HPV vaccine, flu shots or any other vaccines.
