Autumn 2008 Volume 11 Number 3
The Wizard's Guide to Influenza Vaccine
A new year at Hogwarts brought with it both ups and downs, thought Harry, but the worst was sitting through another year of Potions lectures with Professor Severus Snape. Snape had it in for Harry and Harry could see no reason that this year would be any different.
“Welcome back,” said Snape. “I hope your summers were….interesting.” He seemed to smirk at Harry as his eyes met his. “Your first lesson of the year will involve that most mysterious of potions—the influenza vaccine.
“Who knows why we need a vaccine?” asked Snape. “Potter?”
Harry was ready for this one. Influenza had swept through the Dursley household last winter and Uncle Vernon took great satisfaction in reciting the episode at great length.
“It
makes you terribly sick, for one,” said Harry. “It is spread by coughs and sneezes. Contaminated surfaces can spread the disease. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, feeling rundown, cough, sore throat and runny nose.
“Many people, about 226,000 Muggles, are hospitalized each year and about 36,000 deaths occur.”
“Who knows what goes into the vaccine?” Only one hand rose; that of Hermione Granger. Snape chose to ignore it.
“You are correct, it’s a trick question,” said Snape, the corner of his mouth slightly turning up. “Every spring Professor Trelawney sits down and tries to divine which three influenza strains are likely to hit our community. These are the strains that go into the vaccine.
“Who should get the vaccine?” Hermione hand shot up again.
“All right Granger,” sneered Snape. “Entertain us.”
“Mostly Muggles, sir” Hermione said. “Children who are at greatest risk are those with long-term health problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, metabolic diseases like diabetes or blood disorders like chronic anemia.
“Children with underlying lung disorders like asthma, reactive airway disease or respiratory problems secondary to pre-maturity are also at risk. I would add to this list any child on long-term aspirin therapy such as children with arthritis.
“Any child living in a group home should be vaccinated. Also any child that has a weakened immune system due to drug treatment or an underlying immune disorder should be protected.
“But if the question is who should get the vaccine, then the answer is all school-aged kids from six months through 18 years.”
“Correct,” scoffed Snape. “Now as all of you know from your summer reading, there are two types of influenza potions—an injectable shot and a nasal spray.” Harry’s ears twitched. There was summer reading? “Which one is preferred?” Snape continued. “What do you think, Potter?”
“Ahh…the nasal spray,” Harry said slowly, watching the nod of Hermione’s head.
“Nice guess Potter,” Draco Malfoy snickered from across the room.
“Because of the way the nasal spray works,” interrupted Snape, “it might provide greater protection for influenza germs that were not expressly covered in the vaccine. So if Professor Trelawney guesses wrong, the nasal spray may still provide protection.”
“Very good,” said Snape. “I think most of you will do very well with this potion.” His eyes darted furtively toward Harry.
Harry smiled. He was pretty sure Snape didn’t use the influenza potion himself. Visions of five days of Snape suffering the throes of influenza was reward enough. But five days of a Snape-less Potions class was even better.
