Is the flu shot effective this year?
You don’t have to look far on your social media feed or on news websites to find conflicting information about this year’s flu season. One thing is for certain, after hearing of the tragic deaths of five Canadian children, this year’s flu season is frightening.
We’ve asked Dr. Zain Chagla, infectious disease specialist at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton to inject the facts back into the flu conversation.
- I’ve heard that flu shot can be anywhere from 0% to 10% effective. I’ve also heard that it’s effective for once strain of the flu, but not another. Does the flu shot work even this year?
Dr. Zain Chagla: Yes, to a certain degree. The flu shot contains at least 3 strains, including 2 for Influenza-A and 1 for Influenza B. Right now, we are experiencing heaving flu-A and flu-B activity. Canadian researchers have shown that this year’s flu shot is only 20% effective for flu-A, but 55% effective for flu-B. Together these average to 40% effective, which isn’t perfect but it still provides a lot of protection for the remaining season.
- It’s almost mid- February. Should I still get my flu shot now?
Dr. Zain Chagla: Yes. We are still in the midst of heavy flu transmission, and the flu season is likely to last another 2 months. We’re seeing high levels of Influenza B, which the flu shot provides a higher effectiveness for. It takes 10 days for the flu shot to boost our immunity. Unlike other years we are still not seeing peak flu levels at this time in the season, so it’s still worth it to take the shot.
- We all know someone who doesn’t care whether or not they get the flu, and this is why they don’t make an effort to get the shot. What do you wish you could tell them?
Dr. Zain Chagla: I like to compare this to another modern invention: the seatbelt. The seatbelt won’t protect you from getting into an accident, but it may protect you from getting hurt if you get into one. Also, it’s the best thing we have for protection, and it wouldn’t make logical sense to forgo strapping in when you get in a car. Same for the flu shot, it’s the best thing we have to protect ourselves. And it’s not just for your protection. Think about your loved ones, community members and friends all around you. Especially the elderly and little kids who can really sick. You’re helping to protect them too.