Several weeks ago I got a flu shot in the UK but I'm now on holiday in the US and am sick with flu-like symptoms. Are the vaccines in the UK and the US the same? Is there any chance that I've caught another strain of the flu?
2006-12-27 13:12:01 · 13 answers · asked by bethel 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
The strains of the flu the flu shot will cover change ever year depending on what's out there. This is pretty universal and some of the US's supply of the shot comes from a UK manufacturer.
The flu shot takes 6-8 weeks to be fully effective so if it's been less than 6-8 weeks since you've gotten the shot, you could theoretically get the flu. You may not even have the flu but you may have another viral infection. Traveling to an uncommon location can open you up to catching all sorts of different bugs because you may have been exposed to something new and your body did not have the antibodies built up.
Feel better.
2006-12-27 13:23:42 · answer #1 · answered by CAITLIN 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it's possible. When they offer the flu vaccine each year, they create one that is based on what they believe to be the most prevelant strains of the virus based on trackings and studies of outbreaks, etc. This is why you must get a new one each year b/c of the mutations in the virus and all the different strains that exist. There are MANY different viral strains that cause the flu, so the flu shot is not 100 % in preventing you from getting sick.
2006-12-28 00:04:55 · answer #2 · answered by emily g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally don't believe in the flu shot. 1- it's a strain from last years flu. 2- they "researchers" think it may be one of the causes for alzheimer's disease due to the mercury used as a preservitive.
3- yes you can get the flu even after getting the flu shot. 4- UK and US flus may be different.
Sorry you're sick! Get some chicken soup and gingerale and feel better soon.
2006-12-28 13:35:04 · answer #3 · answered by jhurd731 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are several strains of flu and the flu shot doesnt stop you from getting the flu. It can help lessen the symptoms, severity and length but not completely protect you from getting the flu. Hope u feel better soon :)
2006-12-27 21:18:56 · answer #4 · answered by Sandra B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the shot is only for certain strains of the flu that are most common; its a virus and it mutates, you might have gotten a strain that wasn't covered in the shot.
2006-12-27 21:50:13 · answer #5 · answered by innosint_lil_angel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, that flu shot was it for now. When you get the shot it doesn't mean you'll not get the flu rather it won't hit so hard.
UK, states Canada all the same. Hope you feel better soon. Lucy
2006-12-27 21:21:14 · answer #6 · answered by lucyshines49 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The flu shot isn't 100% accurate,and it also takes like 2-3 weeks to start working.Also they pick a few flu virusus and that could mean the flu you are geting isn't covered by the shot.There are millions pf different flu virusus.So,yes you coud have it.
2006-12-27 21:15:25 · answer #7 · answered by greeneyes 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is very possible to catch a different strain of the flu. the shots only cover so many and then the strange ones come out of nowhere to find you.
2006-12-27 21:53:13 · answer #8 · answered by c504play 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, because there are different strains of the flu.
2006-12-27 21:15:05 · answer #9 · answered by Tenn Gal 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it could very well be another strain of the flu.
2006-12-27 21:14:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋