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Although the influenza vaccine can not prevent the flu, the medical authorities say it will relieve the symptoms and complications that have claimed the lives of 80,000 people – including 180 children – across the country in 2017.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all persons 6 months of age and older get a flu shot – usually 40% effective – by Halloween. This follows the deadly flu season of last year that killed six people in Volusia and Flagler counties, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Dr. Matt Hoffman, Director of Specialty Services at Halifax Health, said most of these deaths were due to flu-related complications and were most noticeable in those who had not received their annual flu shots or had not asked for prompt medical attention.
"Pneumonia is the worst complication that causes deaths," said Hoffman. "Other complications that may occur are ear infections, dehydration, bronchitis, sinus infections and worsening pre-existing medical conditions."
Influenza vaccination is not 100% effective because the virus is constantly evolving. The vaccines are decided in February each year by the CDC on the basis of what has prevailed in recent years. This year, there are two vaccines, one that fights three strains, including H1N1 and H3N2 – considered the most lethal strain – and the other one that adds a fourth strain to the mix.
"Getting the flu shot, even if it's not exactly the strain that's going on, will prepare your immune system for the fight against the infection," Hoffman said. "It takes two weeks for the vaccine to become effective."
Dr. Courtney St. James, a family physician at Florida Hospital Fish Memorial, said getting a flu shot is not just about protecting yourself, but protecting your loved ones.
"There were many young children and adults with chronic diseases who died of the flu," said St. James. "I get the flu shot not only to protect myself, but also to protect those most at risk from getting the flu."
The flu season extends from October to March, in December and January. The most common symptoms of the flu – which appear suddenly – are: muscle aches, fatigue, headaches and fever.
"Sneezing and stuffy nose are more common with a cold," Hoffman said. "A cold is something that develops gradually and the flu is coming from nowhere, you can be fine one day and not be able to function the next day."
Influenza vaccines are available from the Department of Health, primary care providers and some pharmacies.
St. James said the CDC was doing its best to guess what strains should go in the shot each year, but that they could not predict it all the time.
"It is reproducing and creating new viruses against which we may not be able to protect ourselves," said St. James. "When the flu replicates itself in a virus not listed in the vaccine, it is then that complications arise in more at-risk patients."
St. James recommends discussing any issue with a health care provider and encouraging others to get vaccinated each year.
"Often you hear people say that they will not get it because it did not work last year or that they never got sick," he said. said Hoffman. "Once vaccinated, the masses protect those who can not be vaccinated against the flu and those who are at higher risk of complications or death."
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