By mcfarlandmo via Flickr under Creative Commons license
Woman sneezing
Videos
The Open University's iTunes and YouTube channels have launched a series of videos using expert commentary, animation and stylised visuals to provide an engaging introduction to microbiology, examining the impact microbes have had on humans through a historical perspective, from Egyptian times to the present day.
Amongst these videos is one which explores the microbial origins of the Black Death and another reveals how the natural processes of microbes are used to fight disease (see this video below).
Flu Map
Currently, a great deal of information about influenza-like illnesses is not recorded because many people treat themselves at home. It is only when cases become serious enough to be reported to a doctor that official statistics become available. To capture some of this 'missing' data, we the Open University has developed a flu mapping tool where you can enter your own flu data anonymously and see all the information we currently have and how this changes over time via Google Earth.
Taking your learning further
A brand new free LearningSpace unit has just launched exploring the biology of influenza, covering a range of topics including: the virus, infection, replication, mutation, immune responses, pathology, surveillance, diagnosis and treatment. Also see these units below...
Infectious disease and public health
Course
The Open University / Karen Parker
This course approaches infectious disease from several perspectives and explores the underlying biology, epidemiology, ecology and evolution of pathogens in relation to the extraordinary immune... Read more : Infectious disease and public health
An introduction to health and social care
Course
The Open University / Karen Parker
Explore through real-life case studies how we give or receive health and social care services in residential and community settings, hospitals, clinics or GP surgeries.If... Read more : An introduction to health and social care
Introducing public health
Learning Space 
Used with permission
This unit introduces some key elements of public health and health promotion, using a video case study of Coventry. It focuses on the major determinants... Read more : Introducing public health
Health is everywhere: Unravelling the mystery of health
Learning Space 
Used with permission
This unit considers two ideas: that health is an ever-present factor in our lives, and that health is something difficult to define. But how can... Read more : Health is everywhere: Unravelling the mystery of health
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flu season
It,s flu season and last year i got it bad how can i prevent myself from getting sick. And how can i keep myself healthy if someone in my household gets it ? And do flu shots work i heard that they give u the flu after u get them?
Flu shots
Hi Alex
Annual flu shots generally work very well. They mostly use killed virus particles and therefore cannot give you flu, although sometimes you can get a local reaction to the injection or a very mild fever. Most of the vaccines are made by first concentrating the virus by growing it in eggs, so you must tell your doctor if you have an egg allergy. Protection against flu generally sets in 2 weeks after the flu shot, so it is possible to be unlucky and get the flu before your immune system has had a chance to respond to the vaccine. Also, drug companies take their 'best guess' as to the most likely strains of flu that will be circulating, well before the flu season begins (to give them time to make batches of this year's vaccines). Sometimes they get caught out and some of the strains in circulation may not be covered by that year's vaccine.
As always with medical issues, it's best to discuss this with your doctor.
Hope you stay well,
Jon
Hi Alex, Thanks for posting.
Hi Alex,
Thanks for posting. Unfortunately, we are unable to advise on flu shots etc. The best people to speak to are your own G.P. or NHS Direct.
Hope you all stay healthy.
Many thanks
OpenLean Moderator