Influenza vaccine should protect against most common strains (flu shot, viruses, reaction)

[suzy_q2010]

The early influenza data was reported today from the CDC.



Reviewing isolated strains from 6/13- 9/25, they describe as expected low influenza activity so far, as we are not into the traditional seasonal time for influenza.


But the strain breakdown: Of 326 positives, 80% are influenza A and 20% influenza B. Of the influenza A's 70% are H3N2, and only 30% are 2009 H1N1.


So, it really is looking like H3N2 may be the predominant strain this year, and H1N1 activity is waning- In general H3N2 is somewhat more severe than H1N1. So far, it seems to match the vaccine strain.


The results are extremely preliminary, of course, but do suggest the vaccine should protect against the most likely flu culprits this year.



The link below may contain too much info for some, but here it is:

Influenza Activity --- United States and Worldwide, June 13--September 25, 2010

[KylieEve]

So is this h3n2 going to cause a big panic like h1n1 did last year? Not again please.

[suzy_q2010]

Originally Posted by lisalan

So is this h3n2 going to cause a big panic like h1n1 did last year? Not again please.

No one knows yet what this flu season will be like.

From the link: "Although it is difficult to predict which influenza virus strains will predominate during the upcoming influenza season, antigenic characterization of viral isolates submitted during the summer demonstrated that the majority are antigenically similar to the influenza vaccine candidates included in the 2010--11 Northern Hemisphere vaccine. Vaccination continues to be the best method for preventing influenza and its associated complications."

The more people get vaccinated, the fewer will get sick. And it does look like the vaccine includes the viruses that are most likely to be prevalent.

[Escort Rider]

Something which is apparently new this year: The CDC vaccine information statement notes there is a "high-dose" flu vaccine available to people 65 and older. (Older people frequently do not develop as strong an immune reaction as younger people, so getting a regular flu shot may not be as effective for them.)