A new flu strain that may evade some of the vaccine’s defenses is causing a spike in cases, but the flu vaccine is still the best way to protect against severe disease, hospitalization and death, says Sanchi Malhotra, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at UCLA Health.
“I think the best day to get the flu vaccine, if you haven’t already, is today,” Dr. Malhotra says.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 7,400 people have died from flu so far this season in the U.S., including 17 pediatric deaths. Around 130 million doses of flu vaccine have been given in the U.S. this season, it says. More than 147 million doses were distributed during the last flu season.
The flu vaccine is designed to prevent the most severe outcomes of the virus. Each year, the World Health Organization predicts which flu strains are most likely to circulate, and vaccine manufacturers create the shots based on that information. A new strain of the virus, subclade K, emerged after the vaccines were produced. While that makes the vaccine less of a match for the circulating viral strain, data out of the United Kingdom show the shot remains effective, Dr. Malhotra says.
“It was still up to 75% effective in preventing hospitalizations among children,” she says. “For adults, that number was lower – 30 to 40% – but that's still a 30 to 40% chance you're not going to be hospitalized.”
The more people who are vaccinated against the flu, the more likely the chance of preventing its spread, she adds, offering protection for those who can’t be vaccinated, including people who are allergic to the shot and infants younger than 6 months.
For those who fear needles, the nasal flu vaccine is an effective option, Dr. Malhotra says. The nasal mist is “super easy,” she says, and can be self-administered. However, the nasal vaccine is not recommended for people with compromised immune systems.
She acknowledges that some people feel like the flu shot makes them sick, but this natural immune response usually resolves quickly.
“Feeling bad for about 24 hours after the vaccine is way better than the severe consequences we can see from the actual infection itself,” she says. “It really can protect you from more dangerous complications later on.”
Beyond the vaccine, wearing a mask and washing hands frequently can help prevent the virus’ spread.
“Masking is still very effective,” Dr. Malhotra says.
If you do come down with the flu, talk to your doctor to see if antiviral medications are recommended. These therapies are most effective within 48 hours of illness onset. Not everyone needs them, Dr. Malhotra says, but children younger than 2 and people with weakened immune systems, and lung or neurologic problems can really benefit.
