Lots of information floating around this past week about influenza. Of anything, remember this: it’s easiest to predict that influenza can be unpredictable and it’s also still true that a flu shot is the best way to protect your family from flu. I’ll explain why, along with a recap of what you should know about new data, here.
Flu season is just getting started in the United States (circulating infections in nearly all states) and this past week the CDC announced new information about a strain of Influenza A, H3N2. This is exactly what the CDC is supposed to do: keep us informed and help us prepare for an influenza season. This year the information standing out is risks surrounding the strain of H3N2 that has “drifted” and the reality that when H3N2 is the most common strain of flu going around it tends to cause more serious infections.
When Influenza Virus “Drifts”
- Vaccines for each year’s flu are formulated months in advance to allow time for vaccine manufacturing and distribution.
- 100 centers around the world provide influenza surveillance and predict which strains will circulate to the US and North America. Decisions are made in February each year for the next year’s vaccine. Researchers look at trends to determine which viruses may be more prevalent.
- The vaccine protects against three (trivalent vaccine) or four flu viruses (quadrivalent vaccine), based on the world’s predictions. Typically each flu vaccine has at least two strains of Influenza A and one or two strains of Influenza B. Of anything that is consistent it’s that flu seasons are unpredictable.
- H3N2 is one strain of Influenza A in this year’s vaccine. The “drifted” vaccine is just another form of H3N2 that has different characteristics.
- Flu viruses often “drift,” this happens every few years. The drifted H3N2 virus is one specific type selected for the 2015 southern hemisphere influenza vaccine (point being: this isn’t an unknown virus, it was just unknown how much it would spread in the US).
Do I Still Need A Flu Shot?
- You should still get vaccinated against influenza via the shot or nasal spray as it’s the most effective prevention tool. Circulating H3N2 and H1N1 strains we are also seeing are in the vaccine, as is the Influenza B strain. In addition, “cross-protection” is likely from the H3N2 in the vaccine for the southern hemisphere strain. Translation: it’s likely the protection you get from the shot will help decrease effects of infections by strains not included in the vaccine.
- The CDC recommends getting the flu shot or nasal spray as soon as possible to protect yourself and your family. Now is a great time!
- The nasal spray vaccine is still preferential for healthy children ages 2 – 8. Here’s a detailed post explaining why:
- This year it’s know that the nasal spray isn’t as effective against the 2009 H1N1 strain, but very little H1N1 is circulating.
- Get the shot if spray isn’t available. Waiting is not recommended.
Getting Medications For Influenza?
- Flu shot is still available and recommended, as long as flu is spreading and causing illness the flu vaccine should continue.
- A big part of the CDC recommendations this past week were about informing the public to seek care if suspected influenza hits. It’s important to see the nurse or physician if you have suspected influenza on day 1 or 2, especially if you are high-risk. Oral medication (Tamiflu or Relenza) can decrease your symptoms, shorten the illness, and prevent serious complications. Call for an appointment if flu symptoms or concern for flu especially if you’re high-risk.
- Antiviral treatment recommended for high-risk patients:
- Children under 2 years
- Adults over 65
- Pregnant women
- Anyone with complicated/severe illness
- Antiviral treatment recommended for high-risk patients:
- Be smart, like you are, of course!
- Wash your hands, cough into your elbow, stay home when sick
As long as flu is spreading & causing illness, flu vaccination should continue. https://t.co/Bnuq9BXsjX #NIVW2014
— WendySueSwanson MD (@SeattleMamaDoc) December 9, 2014
Susannah Fox says
Thank you! I’ve seen so many headlines swirling around and wished I had time to sort this out — now, here are the facts, well-told, ready to share. Awesome.
Maia says
I was diagnosed with H3N2 last week, I hadn’t had the flu vaccine. And I’m 8 weeks pregnant. It hit me very very hard. I started Tamiflu a day after symptoms started but had side effects that caused me to stop the Tamiflu after just 2 days. I woke up with severe and sudden anxiety & felt like my mind was going crazy. I also woke up with Pink Eye. For the past 4 days I’ve been getting better but I’m still so fatigued – I could barely get out of bed. Finally today I was up for more than a few hours at a time. This is by far the sickest I’ve ever been. I hope baby is holding on in there, this has been awful.