share: 2008-2009 Flu Season....so far, so good!
The flu season is here, and typically lasts through March. So far, the flu rates have been low, with many states reporting on either no flu activity (cases) or only localized cases.
One interesting note about this year: the flu vaccine is actually a good match for the exact flu strains currently circulating!
There is a really interesting article on how the vaccine strains are selected by the CDC:
"Each year, the seasonal influenza vaccine contains three influenza virus strains – one influenza A (H3N2) virus, one influenza A (H1N1) virus, and one influenza B virus. The influenza virus strains in the vaccine are selected each year based on (surveillance-based) forecasts about what virus strains are most likely to cause illness in the coming season. Therefore, each year’s vaccine is designed to protect against the influenza viruses expected to cause disease during that influenza season." The selection process must occur early in the year, as it takes about 6 months for the vaccines to be manufactured in large quantities.
Do you recall the previous years' flu vaccine (2004, I think?) that did not protect against the actual circulating flu strains, and this caused a widespread controversy regarding the effectiveness of vaccines in general, and the influenza vaccine in particular?! The vaccine strains were said to be "mismatched" with the circulating strains, and unfortunately, more flu cases (and deaths) were reported that year, demonstrating the effectiveness of the flu vaccine during years that it is correctly matched, as the flu cases and deaths are decreased.
Some people choose to take an antiviral drug, most notably Tamiflu, which has been helpful in reducing the duration of flu symptoms in many individual (when taken within first 48 hours of symptoms). THIS YEAR may be different, as the primary circulating virus (H1N1), is proving resistant to Tamiflu. It may be too early to tell, and there are other antiviral drugs (and combinations of drugs/supplements) if you are interested in speaking with your doctor about reducing the duration of your symptoms.
Has your town or city been effected by the flu yet?
Source:
CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/
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Add a Comment3 Comments
I received the flu shot this year for the first time. I also read this article and realized that it is pretty true. There has not been a large outbreak of flu this season, thus far. It really makes you think, maybe science is actually working....next is a cancer vaccine.
December 21, 2008 - 3:32pmThis Comment
Yes!
My husband and I and all three kids have had a gastric flu. My kids class has only 12 kids and 6 of the kids in their class got it. Awful, but unlike regular flu, I was ok in about 3 days, rather than the 7 days I am usually down with flu. Same with husband and kids.
No flu shots for any of us though. I know it's a risk but it's difficult to find mercury free shots for adults and I definitely won't allow my kids to get them even if they are thimerosal free.
It's good to hear that the vaccines are matching the current strains but there are hundreds that change daily so we will see - it's early days yet for flu season. Hopefully this positive trend with the flu shots will continue.
December 22, 2008 - 2:12pmMy child will always get a flu shot. For me, the benefit outweighs the risk. As a medical professional, I see it all the time. A patient drags themself into the clinic with the same symptoms of misery, and says the same thing: "I should have gotten the flu shot". And even if a particular year's flu strain isn't included in the vaccine, the vaccine itself will still aid in symptoms, and you may find yourself with a toned-down version of the flu. It's better than the full blown flu, which is what you risk by not getting vaccinated. Either way, getting the vaccine keeps you out of a hospital. The vaccine is MUCH better for you than flu is.
January 17, 2009 - 10:37pm