As many of you have likely heard, this flu season is proving to be particularly brutal. According to recent reports, influenza is spreading quickly across 46 states, hitting harder and earlier than usual. The H3N2 strain of influenza A is the most common this year, and it’s being referred to as a “particularly nasty” variant.
Just great. I might as well stock up on hand sanitizer and hide under my blanket until spring.
To make matters worse, experts suggest that the flu shot may not be very effective this year, with some estimates indicating an effectiveness rate as low as 10% (typically, flu shots range between 40-60% effectiveness). Yikes! For anyone with even a hint of hypochondria—like me—this news is enough to raise alarm bells. And understandably so, especially when considering how harsh the flu can be and its impact on our most vulnerable populations.
Some people might hear these statistics and conclude that the flu shot is essentially useless. They might say, “See, this is why I never get one.” Others may use this as a chance to criticize vaccinations as a whole, arguing that they pose more risks than the diseases they’re designed to prevent. I won’t even dive into that debate here; vaccines are crucial for public health, and science backs that up.
What flu shot skeptics need to realize is that getting vaccinated not only reduces your chances of contracting the flu (even a 10% chance is better than none), but it also lessens the severity of symptoms if you do get sick. And that’s a significant point to consider.
While the flu isn’t necessarily fatal for everyone, it can lead to a miserable week or more of illness—believe me, I’ve been there. However, for certain groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting health conditions, the flu can lead to severe complications, hospitalizations, or even death. Annually, around 36,000 people die from flu-related issues, and about 200,000 end up hospitalized.
This is where the flu shot’s protective benefits come into play. A 2017 study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that even among vaccinated individuals who still contracted the flu, their chances of hospitalization and death were significantly reduced. The CDC highlighted that flu vaccination could decrease deaths, ICU admissions, and overall hospital stays for those hospitalized due to the flu. In fact, vaccinated adults were 52-79% less likely to die from the flu compared to their unvaccinated counterparts.
Clearly, the flu is not something to take lightly, and it’s reassuring to know that the flu shot can provide additional protection if you do fall ill. Even if the vaccine’s effectiveness is less than ideal, there are numerous compelling reasons to get your flu shot each year.
While the aforementioned study focused on adults, similar findings have been observed in children. A 2017 study in the journal Pediatrics indicated that the flu vaccine significantly lowers the risk of flu-related deaths in children. The authors noted that increasing flu vaccination rates could prevent fatalities among kids and teenagers. If that doesn’t convince you to get your children vaccinated annually, I don’t know what will.
Of course, vaccination is just one part of the equation. We should also practice good hygiene: wash your hands frequently, eat well, exercise to bolster your immune system, and for the love of all things healthy, stay home if you’re feeling sick. And most importantly, keep your distance from babies and the elderly when you’re under the weather.
While it would be fantastic if the flu shot were more effective, scientists and healthcare professionals are diligently working to enhance its efficacy and stave off flu outbreaks. Let’s hope they make significant strides soon.
In the meantime, we must make the most of what we have. Even in years when flu vaccines aren’t foolproof, they can dramatically reduce the risk of severe outcomes for you and your loved ones if you do contract the flu. So, roll up your sleeve and get that shot. And don’t forget to ensure that your kids and their grandparents do the same.
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Summary
This article discusses the importance of getting the flu shot, even during seasons when its effectiveness may be lower than usual. It highlights how vaccination can reduce the severity of flu symptoms and lower the risk of hospitalization and death, particularly in vulnerable populations. The article encourages everyone to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and protect those around them.
Keyphrase
Importance of flu shot
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