What’s New with Flu?
It seems that people have one of two general responses when the subject
of flu and flu vaccination is raised. Either they say, “We always get the flu
shot,” or else something along the lines of, “We don’t believe in the flu
shot.” Regardless of which group you fall into, it’s highly likely that we’re in
for a worse flu season than the incredibly mild one we had this past winter.
In the past year several new developments have occurred regarding flu
(medically known as “influenza”) and flu prevention. There is now a higherpotency
flu vaccine approved for seniors 65 years and older. Check with
your doctor to find out whether it’s available and right for you.
Two of the three components of this year’s flu vaccine have been
changed. Since flu viruses have the ability to adapt and change over time,
this year’s vaccine will provide protection against two newer strains,
influenza B and H3N2. Both of these flu viruses have been spreading over
the past 6-9 months in countries south of the equator, where their winter
flu season is now coming to a close. These viruses are expected to reach
the U.S. this fall. The third component of this year’s flu vaccine will
continue to provide protection against H1N1, the virus responsible for the
worldwide pandemic of 2009-2010.
Public health officials are closely following the emergence and possible
spread of a “variant” swine-related flu strain which has infected twenty or
more individuals in the midwest. Several public health advisories were
issued this summer for the public to avoid close contact with or handling
pigs at venues such as state fairs.
Another recent development has been the approval by the Food and Drug
Administration given to one of the larger pharmaceutical companies for its
vaccine providing protection against four flu strains. Don’t be surprised if
the use of a “quadrivalent” flu vaccine becomes more popular a year from
now.
Lastly, clinics in New York reported that text messaging reminders to
patients to get a flu shot increased the numbers who did. In all likelihood,
savvy businesses and health care systems will figure out ways to employ
newer technologies to increase the number of friends and employees who
get vaccinated this year.
Brad Gascoigne, M.D.
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