It’s that time of year again—flu season. Millions of people fall victim to this dreaded illness with runny noses, coughing, and fevers.
So what do you do to prevent catching it? Get the flu shot? Hm, maybe not.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are saying that the vaccine may not be effective this year, since it was made for a strain that later mutated. Now if you get the shot, you will only be partially protected against the main flu virus (known as influenza A, H3N2). It’s also too late for the CDC to develop a new vaccine to combat the H3N2 virus seeing as it takes months to do and flu season is right around the corner (January and February). Cue the shocked faces.
Even so, the CDC still recommends that you get the flu shot. Experts say that it can still protect you against at least three or four strains. You could also give the nasal spray vaccine, FluMist, a try. While its effectiveness still has mixed reviews, it’s approved for adults aged 18 to 49.
Whichever method you try, make sure to always keep hydrated and wash your hands regularly throughout the day.
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