It's National Influenza Vaccination Week -- a timely reminder to get your flu shot. But if you get the vaccine, take a look at your pain pills first.
A new study suggests nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- a popular class of pain reliever -- could interfere with your body's immune response to the vaccine. Unless it's doctor prescribed, or you really need it, consider another kind of pain pill on shot day.
Shot Blocker
Vaccines work by activating antibodies against an invading virus or bacteria. But you need the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes in your body to function properly in the process. What could cause COX-2 enzymes to stop doing their job? Taking NSAIDs, for one thing. The meds relieve pain by blocking the actions of COX-2 enzymes. (What's the best over-the-counter pain relief option for someone like you? Find out here.)
Tried-and-True Flu Fighter
The CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends influenza vaccine for anyone 6 months to 5 years old, anyone age 50 or older, pregnant women, and people living with certain medical conditions, along with anyone who lives or works with people who fall into those categories. Anyone else who wants to cut their risk of the flu can get the shot, too. Here are some other tried-and-true antiflu steps.
Did You Know?
Doing this may help boost the effectiveness of your flu shot.
RealAge Benefit: Taking too many medications or taking them improperly can make your RealAge as much as 4.5 years older.
Smart Search: Forgot your shot? Find out what to do if you've already got the flu.
Take the RealAge Test
A new study suggests nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- a popular class of pain reliever -- could interfere with your body's immune response to the vaccine. Unless it's doctor prescribed, or you really need it, consider another kind of pain pill on shot day.
Shot Blocker
Vaccines work by activating antibodies against an invading virus or bacteria. But you need the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes in your body to function properly in the process. What could cause COX-2 enzymes to stop doing their job? Taking NSAIDs, for one thing. The meds relieve pain by blocking the actions of COX-2 enzymes. (What's the best over-the-counter pain relief option for someone like you? Find out here.)
Tried-and-True Flu Fighter
The CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends influenza vaccine for anyone 6 months to 5 years old, anyone age 50 or older, pregnant women, and people living with certain medical conditions, along with anyone who lives or works with people who fall into those categories. Anyone else who wants to cut their risk of the flu can get the shot, too. Here are some other tried-and-true antiflu steps.
Did You Know?
Doing this may help boost the effectiveness of your flu shot.
RealAge Benefit: Taking too many medications or taking them improperly can make your RealAge as much as 4.5 years older.
Smart Search: Forgot your shot? Find out what to do if you've already got the flu.
Take the RealAge Test