Flu Vaccine Less Than Half Effective: Flu Report In California

So far this season, an estimated 32 million people — including 4,940 in California — have been affected by the flu.

Several items to point out to readers.

It is important to receive a vaccine early in the season. It takes 14 days to develop immunity. Past history reveals that the vaccine is about 40% effective, and if you do contract the flue it will be less severe. So the efficacy of the flu vaccine is slightly less than flipping a coin (50%) in the general population. So you may ask, Why is it so important for me to be vaccinated?

There are several reasons. From a public health aspect the more people who are immunized the better herd immunity which protects more people. Senior citizens and those with compromised immunity are much more susceptible and have a higher rate of death.

During the past several years a new group of biologic drugs is used by people with cancer, arthritis and other diseases. Some of these new drugs alter the immune response. This may make these people more susceptible as well as getting more severe influenza.

Flu Vaccine Less Than 1/2 Effective: CA Flu Report - So far this season, an estimated 32 million people — including 4,940 in California — have been affected by the flu.

Getting your flu shot is the best way to keep from catching the flu; however, this year's vaccine has been only 45 percent effective in protecting Americans from this season's strains of influenza virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's newly released seasonal flu vaccine effectiveness report.

In California, there is a reason for residents to worry about catching the flu as there have been 125 outbreaks statewide since the flu season began in the fall. Over the week ending Feb. 22, 64 people died from the flu in California, and thousands more have endured the aches and coughs of influenza.

The Communicable Disease Center tracks influenza each year

This season in California, there is a reason for residents to worry about catching the flu as there have been 125 outbreaks statewide since the flu season began in the fall. Over the week ending Feb. 22, 64 people died from the flu in California, and thousands more have endured the aches and coughs of influenza.

In the report, the U.S. Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network determined the vaccine's efficacy in 4,112 children and adults who had flu-like illnesses between Oct. 23, 2019, and Jan. 25. From that data, researchers determined the vaccine was 37 percent effective in preventing Influenza A and 50 percent effective for Influenza B.

While the effectiveness of this season's flu vaccine may seem low, Dr. John Epling, a former vaccine fellow with the American Academy of Family Physicians, said it's on par with previous vaccines.

A total of 4,940 flu cases have been reported in California, according to CDC data. Influenza B started out as the dominant strain in California, and it hit young people particularly hard — 12 children have died from the flu in California this flu season. Now, however, Influenza A is the dominant strain in with 2,891 confirmed cases, and that is a concern because it is the strain more deadly for elderly patients who are more likely to die from the flu. A reported 2,049 people have tested positive for Influenza B.

Flu activity remains high in New York City, Puerto Rico and 43 states. In California, reported flu activity is currently high.

The CDC has recorded at least 32 million flu illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations and 18,000 deaths from flu — 125 of which were children, according to data ending the week of Feb. 22.

If you are unfortunate enough and develop symptoms:

According to the CDC, symptoms of the flu include:

Fever or feeling feverish/chills (though not everyone with flu will have a fever)
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

An ounce of prevention far outweighs contracting the flu and there are personal activities that lessen the chances of contracting influenza. These measures also apply to CVID19

1. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
2. While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
3. If you are sick with flu symptoms, you should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
4. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
5. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
7. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs such as the flu.

The flu is a highly contagious illness, which is why the CDC urges everyone to take the following steps to protect themselves and others:

The CDC says it's not too late to get this year's vaccine. However, remember the current flu vaccine does not give immunity to CVID19 (corona viral disease). The CVID19 vaccine will not be available until the next flu season.