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“NO NEW FLU VACCINE” AVAILABLE THIS YEAR DECLARES CDC
NO NEW FLU VACCINE BEING DEVELOPED THIS YEAR
According to recent report released by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), there will be no new vaccine for this year’s flu season. Not many reasons were given, although it’s speculated that the recent Ebola virus scare meant that the CDC’s many other producers of the flu vaccine were focused on the more imminent threat at hand. It can take up to 4 months to produce enough vaccinations to adequately supply communities across the country and by the time, the flu season will have passed.
The CDC has sent advisories out to doctors clarifying that the current flu virus will only be partially protective against the new, mutated strain of H3N2. Previous years dominated by this particular strain have been severe and there is mounting worry that an imperfect vaccine means that there will be a record number of people who will become hospitalized or succumb to the strain.
WHAT CAUSES THE FLU VIRUS TO MUTATE?
Viruses and in particular the Flu virus are in a state of perpetual change. These changes to their genetic structure are referred to as mutations. Mutations are an evolutionary advantageous tool for survival that is most readily visible in bacteria and viruses. These changes can happen slowly over time or happen very rapidly depending on the external pressures put on the organism. Vaccines are one of the biggest external pressures placed on the Flu virus and because they are designed to kill, the virus must mutate to prevent complete eradication.
When these changes happen, your immune system becomes unable to recognize the flu virus from the previous year – even though it may be quite similar. The Flu virus can also undergo what is referred to as “Antigenic shift”. This is when two different flu strains infect the same cell and combine into a super-strain. When this happens it a very serious event, because many people will have absolutely no immunity to the new subtype. This is why it’s important that individuals receive a current vaccination every year because it protects against the most contagious, contemporary strains.
REDUCE YOUR RISK OF SEASONAL FLU
A drift in the H3N2 component of the flu shot is unwelcome news for anyone, but especially for those who care for the elderly – who are most at risk during flu seasons. The CDC and most many physicians still recommend getting vaccinated with the previous year’s vaccine as it can still increase your chances of fighting off the current strain. You can get your flu vaccination at PPG’s downtown Houston clinic for a very affordable price and a wait time as little as 15 minutes. Don’t delay, get yours today!
Sources:
http://www.flu.gov/about_the_flu/virus_changes/
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/04/us-usa-flu-cdc-idUSKCN0JI22G20141204
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