Prepare for a Rocky Flu Season

Prepare for a Rocky Flu Season

Oct. 2, 2017 10:31 a.m. ET

Australia is typically an accurate predictor of how the influenza will hit the Northern Hemisphere. After Australia’s rough flu season (during their winter months – June through August), America braces for a similar turnout. The influenza comes in different forms, some more dangerous than others. Type A includes H1N1 and H3N2 (of which the latter is considered the most deathly), type B is pervasive later on the flu season, and type C is usually not prevalent. The CDC recommends anyone over 6 months of age to get vaccinated by the end of October since the vaccine takes about two weeks to protect an individual, and flu season starts early November.  While the flu shot is mainly guesswork as scientists can only predict which strain will circulate during the flu season, there has been a lot of advances in the medicine over the recent years that fight are more effective. For example, the micro-needle, which is 90% smaller than the standard needle, gives those who are needle-shy peace of mind. Also, specifically for H3N2, Flucelvax and Flublok have proven to be a better match for the influenza. Lastly, Flaud and Fluzone High-Dose are available for those who are 65 years or older as it helps create a stronger immune response in the body.

            While Australia only emphasizes for high-risk individuals to get vaccinated, America emphasizes the importance of having the majority of the population receive the flu shot and provides multiple options (i.e. micro-needle and the stronger options for H3N2 and the elderly). With Australia’s rough flu season as a warning, many are more likely to get vaccinated this year; also, with the recent advances many may opt to use these special vaccines as an extended form of precaution. Regardless of the people’s decision, pharmacies and doctors can expect a busy season; people will either seek to get the vaccine, or unfortunately, end up needing care if infected with the influenza.

Medicine develops more and more each year; it is assuring that people are well cared for. With the upcoming winter, people of all ages must be prepared as the warnings are clear.

Wall Street Journal