This year’s flu shot might not stop the virus, but it can fend off the worst symptoms

There’s a potent flu virus infecting Americans this influenza season — even healthy people including a marathon runner and bodybuilder have become seriously ill. But although the flu shot isn’t so effective this year, the vaccine will still probably spare you from the most severe symptoms, hospitalization, or at worst, death.

Like most flu seasons, there are a few strains circulating around the country right now, but one of these — dubbed H3N2 – is notably vicious. At worst, it’s taken the lives of children and healthy adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes there is “widespread” flu activity in nearly every region it monitors around the country, and H3N2 was the most frequently identified strain reported as of mid-January.  Read more…

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