Unless you've been living under a rock you've either had the flu or heard that this year is the worst since 2015. It's bad. Unfortunately, we were hit with the flu, in addition to sinus infections, ear infections, and bronchitis. All within 2 weeks. It was rough. I appreciate single parents a lot, but it is during times like this that I give you all major kudos.
Remember when we discussed the flu shot a few months ago? We talked about the flu shot here and about the differences between the flu and a cold here. The CDC evaluates the strains of flu in Southeast Asia and Australia during our summer. They create a vaccine based on how they believe the virus will mutate and develop. Sometimes they get it right! Other times, they get it wrong. This year, they got it wrong.
Depending on the report you read, this years vaccine is about 10-30% effective. What does this mean for you? Well, a few things. It means it may help protect you a little. I still firmly believe that the elderly, chronically ill, and young infants should get it; even though it is not very effective because their bodies are already compromised at some level. Their immune systems may not be able to fight off the flu when they're dealing with other issues. Why make their body work harder than it has to?
The CDC released a transcript of a call from January 11th, 2018 where they discussed updates on the current flu situation. You can read it here, but let me give you the gist. The predominant strain of flu we're seeing this year is H3N2; any H3 virus tends to be more intense. Reports from Australia indicate their vaccine is 10% effective, CDC is reporting ours to be closer to 30%. The good news is that the medications we have to treat the flu are effective. The virus has not mutated so much that the anti-virals are no longer effective. It is important to know that in order for the anti-viral to be most effective, it needs to be started as soon as possible. It has shown to shorten the duration of the illness and also lessen the severity of symptoms. Translation: you will still be sick! BUT! It may not last as long and your symptoms may not be so intense. You will still cough, have chills, fever, fatigue, etc. Instead of it lasting 10 days, it may last 7.
It's not too late to get your flu shot! It may still help protect you (and your loved ones). Stay home. Cover your cough/sneeze. Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Avoid people.
We got this!
