The flu virus is in full swing for the 2019-2020 season. Although I have gotten my flu shot, I am still paranoid because many of my friends that received the vaccination still contracted the virus. According to the CDC, certain components of this years flu vaccine are similar to the 2018-2019 strain. Because the influenza virus is constantly mutating due to antigenic shift, scientists have to make new vaccines based on predictions of how the flu will change for the upcoming season. At this point, the CDC has reported that the vaccines seem to be antigenically similar to the current influenza virus.
The vaccines have reduced the likelihood that people will get the flu by 50%. In addition, the flu is less severe if contacted by someone who has received the vaccine. This should be a strong motivating factor for people to receive their flu shots because, although it might not completely eliminate the chances that you get the flu, it will lessen the signs and symptoms of the illness. According to the Mayo Clinic, this years flu shot protects against several of the influenza viruses. The vaccinations are especially important for people who are pregnant, young, or elderly.
While the flu vaccine is offered beginning in early August, it is recommended to get it around the month of October. However, if you waited to get the flu vaccination, “better late than never is true for the flu shot, too.” Some people fear that the flu shot will actually give them the flu. These are completely false assumptions because the flu shot is an inactivated virus. Although it may give someone slight signs/ symptoms of the flu, they have not actually contacted the virus. If this is not enough reason to get the flu shot, about “10,000 Americans have died, including more than 60 children,” from the virus this season.
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