Pace Paw Print

The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) has reported that only forty percent of this year's flu viruses match the vaccine. Karen Lolli, Co-Director of University Health Care, has seen the effects of this at Pace, saying that the health center in Goldstein has seen a "definite increase" of students with flu-like symptoms.

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), each year the flu vaccine contains a combination of three viruses that have circulated globally since 1977: influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2), and influenza B.

The viruses selected for this year's vaccine were based on the viruses that seemed to be the most prevalent during last year's flu season in February.

However, the CDC said that during the week of Feb. 9, 49 states reported widespread or regional flu activity. The experts are saying the flu activity may be so high due to the fact that the circulating stains of H3N2 and B did not match those in the vaccine.

"As of February 9, 2008, nearly all H1N1 viruses tested to date at CDC were well-matched to the H1N1 vaccine strain. However, most of the H3N2 and B virus strains were different from those contained in the vaccine, suggesting that protection against circulating H3N2 and B virus strains may not be optimal," said the CDC on their official website.

A MSNBC article posted Feb. 15 stated it is unusual for the CDC to be inaccurate in predicting what viruses will be most effective to use in the vaccine. "Usually, the guesswork is pretty good: The vaccines have been a good match in 16 of the last 19 flu seasons," experts said.

The rates of high flu activity are not alarming, according to the article, since it is normal for the flu season to peak in February. The official start of the flu season is Sept. 30 and ends in April.

Despite the reports which have claimed the vaccine is ineffective, the CDC still recommends people to get the shot. "…it's important to remember that even when the viruses are not closely matched, the vaccine can still protect many people and prevent flu-related complications."

The CDC recommends certain actions for those who do get the flu, including staying home to get lots of rest, drinking plenty of liquids, avoiding alcohol and tobacco use, and consulting a doctor.

To prevent getting sick altogether, the CDC also recommends three preventative measures: Washing your hands often to stop the threat of germs, taking anti-viral drugs if your doctor says you need them, and getting vaccinated.

Lolli said that out of the patients that she has seen, only about ten percent have gotten vaccinated.

"I have no idea why students don't get vaccinated," she said. "[Maybe] students don't like to get injections or perhaps they've never experienced the flu…and never expect how bad they can actually feel."

She said it wasn't too late to get the flu shot. It is not available on campus, but Lolli said students should contact their own medical provider to get vaccinated.

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