Flu season, which affects the US from late fall to its peak in early spring, brings dangers to many people, prompting the CDC to recommend that citizens take protective measures.
Most people who contract the flu recover; however, it can be more severe, even deadly, for older adults, pregnant women, and young children. Additionally, those with chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary disease are at a higher risk for severe infection.
In fact, between 1976 and 2007, influenza-related deaths ranged from 3,300 to 49,000. Years such as these demonstrate the need for timely vaccinations.
According to the CDC, mutations allow the influenza viruses to become immune to the body’s antigens that reduce the chance of being infected. Because of this, resistance to one type of influenza virus doesn’t equal resistance to the other.
Vaccines, just like influenza, change each year, so the vaccination process needs to be carefully assessed to ensure rightful implementation and resulting public safety. The CDC’s Influenza Work Group decides on how each season should be effectively dealt with; also, the World Health Organization and the FDA work together to make a plan for the marketing of vaccines.
Even through these efforts, the effectiveness of a vaccine is not guaranteed because the effectiveness depends largely upon the age and the immunocompetence of the recipient; additionally, the changing of virus strains from year to year makes it likely that the vaccine may not combat the correct strain.
To combat the changing virus, the CDC works through each season to gather data on the onset, the peak, and the end of activity. This allows them to discover facts about the virus. For example, during the 2009 pandemic, it was discovered that many patients with severe illness as a result of influenza were obese, drawing a possible correlation between the two.
For 2017, the CDC says that the peak of the season has not been reached yet, so there is still time to get a vaccine. The H3N2 strain, the most widespread, has been more severe amongst young and elderly age groups; however, it is not the most severe strain detected.
The Washington State Department of Health reported 46 influenza-related deaths, with 38 being 65 years of age or older.
It is recommended that flu shots be obtained as soon as possible. If the patient still gets the infection, it will not be as severe as it would be without the vaccine.
If a vaccination is not a possibility, the CDC says to take Relenza, Tamiflu, or any oseltamivir, zanamivir, or peramivir-containing drug.
