The flu is something that occurs every year, and yet something most of us never think about. We simply get our flu shot and move on with our lives. In reality, the flu can wreak havoc on people’s lives. For this flu season, there have been 22 million cases, with 210,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 deaths in the USA. That is an extremely high number, yet most of us pay no mind to the flu, with some even going as far as refusing to get the vaccine. However, the vaccine does not necessarily ensure that you will not get the flu. Some years, the predictions are incorrect and the vaccines can only offer partial protection, as seen in this years flu season.
According to officials, there was a significantly higher number of cases of influenza B than normal. Usually, influenza B is seen later in flu season and is not as predominate as influenza A. However, in Louisiana, there were 1200 cases of influenza B between July 31 and November 21 of 2019, which is very unusual. Children are more vulnerable to influenza B, but that does not mean that they should get their flu vaccines. Some studies showed that those vaccinated had better protection against other influenza B subgroups, despite the fact that the strains are not exact matches.
This is a problem largely because such a high rate of influenza B cases have not been seen in many years. When designing the flu vaccine for the year, WHO officials were more concerned with choosing the proper influenza A virus strain than the B. They ultimately chose H3N2 for influenza A but that was also shown to be very ineffective, causing much concern and worry. However, I again make the point that some protection is less than none, that if you get the vaccine, then at least if you do get the flu you are more prepared to fight if off. Despite the fact that the strains are different, your body might have enough similar antibodies to begin fighting off infection so that you won’t die from the flu.
Fluffy Cows 