Peak Flu Season: Vaccine 48% Effective

I have seen quite a few patients for the flu and much like in previous years just because you have had the flu vaccine doesn't mean you cannot get flu. 

Fortunately, there are treatment options available if you have the flu. 
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According to the CDC "elevated" influenza activity is expected for a few more weeks in much of the United States.

As of February 4th, the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) notes that Influenza activity began to increase in mid-December and has remained elevated. 
The predominant virus has been influenza A (H3N2) viruses but influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 and Influenza B viruses were also identified. 

So far "influenza activity has been moderate so far this season", the researchers report. 

The CDC also reports that so far this year the vaccine has been about 48% effective in preventing influenza-related medical visits. The flu vaccine has been only 43% effective for influenza A (H3N2) and 73% for influenza B viruses. 

Besides the flu vaccine there are effective medications including oseltamivir that can treat the flu. However, these medications can sometimes be expensive and usually need to be taken within the first 2-3 days to be effective.

They are definitely recommended for individuals for ​severe, complicated, or progressive influenza illness and for those at higher risk for influenza complications, including adults aged 65 years and older.

For those that have flu like symptoms please give us a call at Murdock health or visit your doctor.