Why You Need a New Flu Vaccine Every Year

Annual flu shots can help protect you from becoming infected, but the flu virus changes, making new vaccines necessary.

It’s easy to think of influenza as a single type of respiratory viral infection. After all, symptoms are virtually the same, year to year, illness to illness. As many as 20% of Americans are affected by the flu each year, accounting for over 30 million patient visits to medical professionals.  

Yet, there are four types of influenza viruses, named A through D. The C type of virus produces only mild symptoms and isn’t known to occur on an epidemic scale, and D type usually affects only cattle and doesn’t make humans sick. Flu shots protect against various strains of A and B type flu viruses, the types that reach epidemic proportions annually.

The dangers of flu

For most healthy people, the flu, while unpleasant, isn’t a serious threat. Within a week or two, you’re feeling better again, although you may have missed school or work on the worst days. There are, though, segments of the population who are vulnerable to complications arising from the flu.

People over 65, particularly those in long-term care facilities, children under 2 years old, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems are among those for whom the flu could develop serious complications, including bronchitis, heart problems, or pneumonia. Though annual flu vaccines are never 100% effective, they can reduce the incidence of flu for those who are most vulnerable.

Flu mutations

Any vaccine works by exposing your body to an inactive form of a disease, so you can develop antibodies to fight off an attack by the active forms. For the flu, the most common type of vaccine protects against two versions of A type virus and one version of B type, though some years two versions of B type protection are offered.

The precise strains of flu viruses protected by a vaccine are constantly changing. As simple organisms, the viruses mutate quickly, so older versions of a vaccine are no longer effective at sensitizing your body against the newer, mutated version. All life works to perpetuate itself, so mutating is the way a flu virus stays alive. Only the healthiest mutations survive, and these are sufficiently different that previous vaccines are no longer effective.

Annual flu vaccines

Protecting against flu outbreaks takes a mix of research and statistical analysis to make educated guesses about which flu strains will be the most active in the coming flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works with institutions in other countries to test and predict influenza around the globe, and the Food and Drug Administration uses this information to decide on the vaccines available in the United States each year.

New strains of virus are assessed and compared to existing strains. Those strains that are predicted to spread fastest, and for which an effective vaccine exists, are chosen for vaccine prevention. The aim is to protect against viruses that have the potential for the most harm, since it’s not practical to immunize against all current and future strains.

An annual flu shot is important not only for you, but to reduce flu exposure to vulnerable people around you. In Cypress, Texas, Dr. Hammad Qureshi and the team at Creekside Family Practice can add a flu shot to your health care regimen. Call the office or request an appointment online to schedule your flu shot today.

You Might Also Enjoy...

UNDERSTANDING SEMAGLUTIDE FOR WEIGHT LOSS:

In recent years, semaglutide has emerged as a promising option for weight loss in individuals struggling with obesity. This medication, originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, has shown considerable efficacy in promoting weight loss as well.

Why Is Some Fat Easier to Lose Than Other Fat?

If you’re overweight, losing the extra pounds can do wonders for your health. However, some fat may not appear to budge. Read on to learn why some areas of fat can be harder to lose than others and what you can do about it.

Unexplained Weight Loss: Could it be Diabetes?

Seeing a lower number on the scale is often a cause for celebration, but if you’ve lost weight unintentionally, it could be a sign of a serious condition, such as diabetes. Read on to learn how diabetes can cause weight loss.

How Women Differ From Men When It Comes to Weight Loss

Whether you’re a man or woman, losing weight often involves exercising and eating a healthy diet. However, certain factors can make it difficult to lose weight. Read on to learn how the weight loss journeys of women and men can differ.

When to See a Doctor about Weight Loss

Are you eating well and exercising regularly but not losing weight? A medical weight loss plan could be just what you need. Read on to learn when you should see a doctor for help losing weight.

Salty Foods: How Sodium Affects Your Weight

Most people get way more sodium than they need. So many foods people love, such as chips, fries, and other snacks, are loaded with sodium. Unfortunately, high sodium intake is linked with high blood pressure and weight gain.