Protect Yourself from the Flu: Get Vaccinated and Take Extra Precautions
Why October is the Prime Time to Get a Flu Vaccine
October is the perfect time to get a flu vaccine to shield yourself from the worst of the respiratory season. However, it’s crucial to manage your expectations. This year’s shot may not be as effective as last year’s in preventing severe disease. Newly released data from the Southern Hemisphere, where flu season typically runs from April to September, suggests that this year’s flu vaccines offer 34% efficacy against hospitalization, compared to 50% last year.
The Science Behind Flu Vaccines
The annual influenza vaccine targets three strains of seasonal flu, and scientists make an educated guess months before the fall season. It takes about six months to produce the vaccine, and manufacturers try to create a formula that aligns with the expected circulating strains. In some years, scientists are more accurate than others. The big question is whether the same influenza viruses will dominate during the 2024-25 U.S. flu season as they did in the Southern Hemisphere.
What the Experts Say
"We know this is what happened in the Southern Hemisphere during their flu season, but patterns there don’t always predict how the season will unfold in the United States," said Dr. Bharvarth Shukla, an associate professor of infectious diseases at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. "A reduction of 34% in hospitalization is still good, especially for people who are very vulnerable."
Caveats and Considerations
The age of the primary patient population in Brazil was much younger than ours in Florida, and some countries like Chile and Ecuador had high levels of flu this season. Shukla emphasizes the importance of considering these factors when making vaccine decisions: "Who is involved in your daily life and whether it includes anyone who is immunocompromised or particularly vulnerable. Take everything into context and talk to your doctor."
The Benefits of Getting a Flu Vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine yearly. A high-dose inactivated vaccine is approved for people 65 years and older. Reviews of flu season data in the U.S. since 2009 find that vaccine protection ranges from a low of 22% to a high of 60%. For the U.S. population, this means millions fewer illnesses and visits to a healthcare professional. The flu vaccine also lowers the number of people with an illness who need hospital care or who die of influenza.
Additional Tips for Staying Healthy
While the flu vaccine is your best defense, other steps can provide some protection:
- Wash your hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face, keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth, which helps keep germs away from these areas.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Clean often-touched surfaces regularly.
- Meet outside with others as much as possible during peak respiratory season.
- If you’re sick, stay home.
- Get some sunshine daily.
Conclusion
While this year’s flu vaccine may not be as effective as last year’s, it is still an excellent way to protect yourself from the worst of the respiratory season. By getting vaccinated and taking extra precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting severely ill. Don’t wait – get your flu shot today and stay healthy throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why get a flu vaccine?
A: To protect yourself from the worst of the respiratory season and reduce your risk of severe illness.
Q: Will the flu vaccine be effective this year?
A: According to newly released data from the Southern Hemisphere, this year’s flu vaccines offer 34% efficacy against hospitalization, compared to 50% last year.
Q: Who should get a flu vaccine?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine yearly. A high-dose inactivated vaccine is approved for people 65 years and older.
