This year's flu vaccine is only 23 percent effective, according to new estimates from the CDC. This confirms the earlier speculation among public heath officials that this flu season's vaccine was a poor match for the dominant strains that were out.
In the 10 years the CDC has been studying flu vaccine effectiveness, seasonal vaccines have ranged from 10 percent to 60 percent in their effectiveness to prevent flu-related visits to medical practices.
According to the CDC, more than two-thirds of A (H3N2) viruses, this season's dominant stain, in circulation have become genetically different from the A (H3N2) component used in this year's vaccine.
Nevertheless, the CDC continues to recommend all persons 6 months and older get the vaccine, because of its potential to prevent at least some flu viruses, as well as reduce the number of complications and hospitalizations among those who do become ill.
Drug manufacturers say they've produced ample supplies of antiviral medications to meet the increased demand. Although there is no national shortage of these meds, the CDC has received anecdotal reports of temporary spot shortages.
So make sure you wash your hands and try not to sneeze or cough on anyone.
I never get the flu vaccine because I always become sicker than I would if I would've got the flu itself. Of course it's not gonna work if you're injecting the virus into someone's body. Virus grow immune to these vaccines therefore we have to grow with them in order to stay healthy. It'll also help if people stopped coughing on one another.
ReplyDeleteI get the common cold often, but usually never the flu. Every year I get my flu shot and seems to work. Are they going to make a new vaccine to cover the new strands that have come about?
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