The flu forecast is cloudy and it's too soon to know if the US is in for a third miserable season in a row, but health officials say not to delay vaccination.
Here are some things to know:Flu is most dangerous for people over age 65, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions such as heart disease, asthma or other lung disorders, even diabetes.
But it can kill even the young and otherwise healthy. On average, the CDC says flu kills about 24,000 Americans each year.Not enough, the CDC says. Because flu mutates rapidly, a new vaccine is needed every year. Last year, 45 percent of adults and 63 percent of children got vaccinated, according to figures released Thursday.
Some groups do a little better. Nearly three-quarters of children under age 5 were vaccinated last year, and just over two-thirds of seniors.. But in February, a strain notorious for more severe illness, called H3N2, suddenly popped up. Worse, even though each year's vaccine contains protection against H3N2, the circulating bug had mutated so it wasn't a good match. A vaccine that had worked well for the first few months of flu season suddenly wasn't much use.
Manufacturers say 162 million to 169 million vaccine doses will be available this year, and people can ask about different choices. Most will offer protection against four flu strains. Traditional flu shots are for all ages. For needle-phobic adults, one brand uses a needle-free jet injector that pushes vaccine through the skin. And the FluMist nasal spray is for generally healthy people ages 2 through 49.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Flu shot is critical, but only half of American adults plan to get itThe National Foundation for Infectious Diseases stressed the importance of the flu shot this season.
Read more »
New Jersey police chief who called Donald Trump 'the last hope for white people' on trial for hate crimeIn an audio recording, Bordentown Police Chief Frank Nucera Jr. can be heard saying 'It's gonna get to the point where I could shoot one of these [N-words].'
Read more »
WHO Seeks Answers on Suspected Ebola in TanzaniaInternational public-health officials suspect the government of Tanzania is hiding a spate of Ebola cases
Read more »
Meghan Markle Wore a Thing: Everlane Jumpsuit in Africa EditionIt's the same one she wore for her British 'Vogue' shoot.
Read more »
Anna Victoria: 'Infertility Almost Made Me Stop Showing Off My Sports Bras At The Gym''It's taken some time to adjust to my new normal.'
Read more »
Here's how to rain-proof your hairWe're sorry, but it's officially that time of the year
Read more »