Flu Vaccine Not Stopping People From Catching The Flu

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Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines;  Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 16 Feb 2008 - 12:00 PDT

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If you think that your flu shot will protect you from catching flu, think again - because, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the latest flu shot offers no protection against 60% of flu viruses that are currently spreading and infecting people.

To make matters worse, each week the flu shot protection seems to be becoming more and more insignificant. Only a couple of weeks ago it was stated that the vaccine protected against 50% of viruses, now it is 40%. Compare this to a typical year when a flu shot keeps 70%-90% of viruses from infecting you.

A surprising strain, which is also resistant to vaccines, has been thriving this season and is responsible for the majority of the USA's lab-confirmed influenza cases. The CDC says it is still early days to predict whether this season will go down as one of the bad flu ones. However, according to Dr. Joe Bresee, Head of Influenza Epidemiology, CDC, and every area of the country is experiencing lots of flu right now.

Last week 31 states reported widespread flu activity, this week the number of states has shot up to 44. Since September 10 children have died from the flu - apparently, ten is about normal for this time of year. Until the week ending January 5th, influenza activity had not been reported in any state.

Scientists are surprised at how badly the vaccines have performed this year. Usually predictions on what type of influenza virus strains will hit are pretty good, and the vaccines do offer significant protection. In 16 of the last 19 flu seasons the vaccines have done well.

The World Health Organization says next season's flu jabs should be completely different - it says a complete overhaul on how flu jabs are designed should be carried out.

Update: Influenza Activity - United States, September 30, 2007 - February 9, 2008 (CDC)

Written by - Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
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