New Virus Means Deadlier Flu Season Is Possible

HughPickens.com writes Donald McNeil writes in the NYT that this year's flu season may be deadlier than usual because this year's flu vaccine is a relatively poor match to a new virus that is now circulating. "Flu is unpredictable, but what we've seen thus far is concerning," says Dr. Thomas R. Frieden. According to the CDC, five U.S. children have died from flu-related complications so far this season. Four of them were infected with influenza A viruses, including three cases of H3N2 infections. The new H3 subtype first appeared overseas in March but because it was not found in many samples in the United States until September, it is now too late to change the vaccine. Because of the increased danger from the H3 strain — and because B influenza strains can also cause serious illness — the CDC recommends that patients with asthma, diabetes or lung or heart problems see a doctor at the first sign of a possible flu, and that doctors quickly prescribe antivirals like Tamiflu or Relenza. "H3N2 viruses tend to be associated with more severe seasons," says Frieden. "The rate of hospitalization and death can be twice as high or more in flu seasons when H3 doesn't predominate."

Comments

Re:Looks like the mismatch nailed me

[TheRealHocusLocus]

Still 100% glad I got my flu shot, though. Basically, I was wearing a bulletproof vest, but got shot in the leg.

I was at Walgreen's shopping for scented candles, to ward off evil spirits, when I spotted this bright bold sign that shouted

Get your flu shot...NOW!

I jumped and backed up against the shelf with the candles, knocked them per foss, but the aisle was deserted, no needle wielding assailant apparent. The little signs were everywhere! Why had I not spotted them before?? Clutching a sandalwood candle and a gallon of milk defensively I approached the checkout, where the clerk informed me that the special price shown in the large glowing red sign was for those with a Special Rewards Card Only, and did I want to get one now?

Then the sign flashed out its warning, in the word that it was forming,
and the sign said

Get your flu shot...NOW!

I fled in terror.