D3 H1N1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

D3 H1N1 - Essay Example Isolating within the embroyonated eggs reduces the possibility of contaminating the virus strain. The now hybrid virus is tested to determine its effectiveness, safety and establish whether it stimulates appropriate antigen response in the body. The entire production process of influenza vaccine takes about six to nine weeks (Gerdil, 2003). New influenza vaccines are produced every year because the virus undergoes constant genetic mutation that changes the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase surface glycoprotein of the pathogen (Gerdil, 2003). The mutation undermines effectiveness of the influenza vaccines. When a healthy person is vaccinated with the influenza vaccine, the body immune system responds by producing relevant antigens to fight and destroy the influenza virus. Therefore, when influenza pandemic occurs, the immune system of the vaccinated persons is capable of fighting the infection easily. Though the vaccinated individuals could become infected, the symptoms and the effect s of influenza are less severe compared to individuals who are not vaccinated. This limits transmission of the highly virulent influenza virus to other persons who are exposed to the infected person. Influenza is an airborne disease that is mainly transmitted when a person inhales droplets that are released when an infected person coughs or/and sneezes (Carrat, et al, 2008). Vaccinating people helps in preventing the spread of diseases and reduces the severity of ailments in the community. Failure to vaccinate people against influenza and other diseases could cause outbreaks that affect economy, social interactions and the environment negatively. When people are infected with a particular disease, the productivity of the country is lowered because of lengthy bed rests, incapacitation and deaths, which reduce the number of people capable of working. Disease outbreaks undermine social activities such as sports, travelling