For 2007-8 the flu vaccine covers two types of Influenza A and one type of Influenza B, but another strain of Influenza B is appearing and causing a lot of illness.

Flu season, which begins late September and runs through March, got off to a slower start this year in part due to milder weather in the fall. Typically flu season peaks in early February and it seems to be in full swing now. Health officials now fear this will be a bad flu season.

Why Flu Shots Are Ineffective

Some who had flu shots are reportedly getting the flu, and it isn't necessarily a milder case either. This is because another strain of Type B Influenza is appearing.

Each winter scientists base the vaccine for the following year on the most recent strains of Influenza, but they did not predict the current Type B strain to be as predominant as it has proven to be.

In addition, one of the Type A strains for the H3N2/Brisbane-like strain which was included in the vaccine is also a poor match for the H3N2 strain being seen this year. The H3N2 strains are however, typically more treatable with the antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu.

Using Anti-virals

These drugs have to be started within 48 hours of the first symptoms and sometimes patients think they are having acute allergies especially in regions where trees and plants are beginning to bloom. By the time it becomes obvious the problem is flu and not allergies, the anti-virals are no longer effective.

It is the H1N1 Type A strains which have been shown to be more resistant to these drugs this year. So far this resistance has shown significant growth this year which also worries health officials.

The vaccine this year is effective against the three strains it contains, but those are not the prevalent strains causing flu in most people this year. So in essence, the vaccine is now reported by the CDC to be effective against only about 40% of the current flu bugs.

Worldwide Problem

The problem is not just in the U.S.; flu reports worldwide indicate that the predicted strains are not the ones most commonly seen this year. The WHO (World Health organization) is recommending that next year's flu vaccine have a completely different make up from this year's vaccine. Normally the vaccine is only slightly changed from one year to the next and this has proven to be effective in 16 out of the last 19 years.

The U.S. Food and Drug administration has not yet decided how it will proceed in the development of next year's flu vaccine.

Avoid Geting Sick

This year it is more important than ever to take measures to avoid flu and colds. Use effective handwashing, avoid crowds, clean off the shopping cart handles and sanitize your hands afterwards with a clean wipe.

Stock up on soups, juices, Jello and other items which commonly help to increase fluid intake while comforting flu symptoms. Don't wait until flu symptoms appear before having to go shopping. Anyone who becomes ill, needs to stay home and not expose others. If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention.

Seek Medical Attention

The very young and the elderly are most prone to complications such as pneumonia. Others with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and chronic respiratory illness are as well. These people should contact their primary care practitioner for evaluation if they develop symptoms.

Sources:

CDC Flu Updates

WHO