Why A Flu Shot Every Year?
We need a flu shot annually because influenza virus changes structure and shape as it moves around the globe each year. The strains that cause human disease are different from one year to the next, so we update and add to our protection annually by getting a shot or nasal flu spray. Children, especially those under age 5, are at higher risk for severe disease from influenza. In children and adults, influenza can cause a mild illness, but unfortunately, sometimes it can cause severe or even life-threatening complications. Children may have a more difficult time fighting off influenza partly because they don’t have years of exposure to other strains of flu and no real immunity built up. Therefore all children are considered a priority group for flu shots. Pregnant women, families with infants at home, and those with underlying medical problems like asthma, diabetes, or neurologic problems really need to get them, too.
It takes a well-orchestrated, worldwide effort to help predict which strains come to our country and which 3 strains are included in the annual flu shot or flu nasal spray here in The United States. The video explains more.
What You Need To Know About “Flu Season”
How Experts Determine Flu Strains for Shots/Nasal Spray
Find A Flu Shot Clinic Near You
Every Year Is An Influenza Pandemic For Children (commentary)
Claire says
As you know, we are living in the Netherlands for the year, and here people (including children) do not get flu shots unless they have a risk factor. I just spoke with my general practitioner here about it, and he said that in particular, they do not give the vaccine to infants unless they have an additional risk factor. He does not get a shot for his own preschooler. So different! So what do you think? Is this a difference of opinion or is the frequency or severity of influenza different here. He said he will give the kids shots (and us grownups as well, I assume). Should we be getting them? And what if they do not have the thermasol free ones? So interesting!
Lou Monter says
“… he said that in particular, they do not give the vaccine to infants unless they have an additional risk factor. He does not get a shot for his own preschooler. So different!”
The bottom line on the “Seasonal Flu” is you do NOT want protection from ONLY the seasonal flu. You want protection from ALL VIRAL infection. There is perhaps protection from four viruses in the “flu shot”. There are hundreds, at least, of viruses which can cause the “Seasonal Flu” like illness (ILI), which is nothing but a viral infection.
Vitamins D and C, in ADEQUATE AMOUNTS will protect you from ALL VIRAL INFECTIONS. NO “flu shot” is needed to completely avoid all serious viral infection. IMO the vitamins D and C may offer you at least some protection from viral pandemic viruses.
It is just this simple and difficult.
https://healthyprotocols.com/2_flu_shot_intro.htm
Zero says
Huh. Sounds like an odd answer to me. I mean… There wasn’t a new bubonic plague every year. The same plague existed for years and humans became immune to it, and it died off. Isn’t it strange that we’re expected to believe the flu virus evolves and mutates at such an unprecedented rate of speed that we need a shot every year? Sounds like a LIE. Pathogens can’t evolve so quickly without being genetically modified. Oh yes, vaccines protect from the new (manmade) strains of the flu. While slowly sterilizing each new generation.