Research out of the University of Rochester Medical Center yesterday cautions against the use of common over-the-counter pain relievers just before and right after receiving the seasonal flu shot, since the pain relievers "may blunt the effect of the shot," according to a written statement from URMC.

Richard Phipps, professor of environmental medicine, microbiology, and immunology has been studying the issue for several years. Phipps' research found that a variety of pain killers, though they may contain different ingredients, seem to dilute the production of necessary antibodies that protect against the illness.

A study by researchers in the Czech Republic published in the October issue of the Lancet reported similar findings.