The flu season has taken a wacky turn this year. There is already widespread report of cases along the southern states including Texas. This is much earlier than usual and the earliest in 15 years. Furthermore, the predominant strain is the Influenza B virus, which is included in the vaccine concoction curated particularly for our 2019-2020 flu season. Usually this strain is more prevalent at the end of the season preferring the warmth of early Spring. There have already been about 1.6 million cases, and 6 deaths from the flu.
It is too early to say if this predicts a bad season nor can we yet tell vaccine effectiveness. All we have is what we always have had — the vaccine! Get vaccinated soon if you haven’t done so already. Also, if you are ill with fever, stay home. Keep your febrile kids home. Wash your hands. Wear a mask if your are coughing or sneezing.
The yearly flu kills more Americans than colon cancer. It is common and destructive and we should do all we can to reduce it’s impact.
