Will The Flu Shot Be Enough This Season?

A flu shot is certainly a step in the right direction against the virus, but is it enough? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised that the season's most common seasonal flu strain currently circulating throughout the country may take more prevention effort.

"It's not going to be as effective as it has been in previous years," said CBS News medical contributor Dr. Holly Phillips, via the news organization. "Basically, what the CDC found was that the predominant strain circulating right now is one called H3N2, and just under half of the samples that they tested were a good match with the vaccine. What that means is that the virus has shifted, or what we call viral drift. It's mutated in some way."

The available shot covers several strains of the virus, including H1N1 and two other strains of influenza B that are a strong match with current circulating viruses.

For those who do get stuck with the flu, medications like Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) can help to lower the flu virus' ability to reproduce and reduce the amount of time people are sick, according to the CDC.

However, recent findings from the Cochrane Review also reveal that while these medications can shorten the span of flu symptoms experienced, they may not cut hospital admissions or complications from the health problem.

Everyday steps to prevent the spread of germs can help to reduce your flu risk. Always wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and try to avoid contact with sick individuals, as well.

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