Flu shot becoming less effective due to mutations

Like many college students, freshman Maggie Koo always gets her flu shot, and this year was no exception.

“I don’t want to get the flu and have to miss school,” she said.

In December, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that this flu season would be bad. Since then, the U.S. has seen an influx in the number of flu-related cases. According to pneumonia and flu mortality surveillance, this season still surpasses epidemic levels: 46 states have seen prevalent flu activity.

The Hopkins Student Health & Wellness Center saw nine confirmed cases of the flu from September through December 2014; this is more than four times the two cases it saw in 2013.

This year’s vaccine has only had a 23 percent effectiveness rate. People who are already vaccinated may still fall sick. This is mainly due to two-thirds of the H3N2 strain of the flu having mutated, which is responsible for the majority of flu illnesses this year. This mutation is not included in this season’s shot, rendering the vaccine less successful. The strain is considered a more severe variety of the flu since it tends to hospitalize more people.

The vaccine only protects against a few strains of the flu each year. Every February, the World Health Organization reviews international data on circulating flu breeds. From there, it predicts which varieties are more likely to cause the most illnesses. This is how they recommend the composition of the annual vaccine for the Northern Hemisphere. In September, they meet again to discuss the Southern Hemisphere’s vaccine.

The shot usually fights against three flu types: two “A” strains, like H1N1 and H3N2, and one “B” strain, which is less common. Thus far, this season’s vaccine seems to be effective against the B strain.

At least 56 children have died because of the virus since Sept. 28, 2014. By the end of the 2013-2014 season in May, 109 children had died; in 2012-2013, there were 171 deaths.

Most physicians recommend getting a flu shot by October, since it takes about two weeks to build up antibodies against the virus. Regardless, physicians say that it’s still not too late to get vaccinated.

If you catch the flu, it is important to contact your doctor upon seeing the first symptoms. Symptoms are similar to those of the common cold but are usually more serious. They include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headaches, chills, fatigue and nausea. Those most susceptible to catching the illness are the very young and the very old, as well as those with chronic medical conditions.

Physicians can prescribe antivirals, which will shorten the time of sickness if taken within a couple days after symptoms start. The CDC said that antivirals have been effective in battling the flu. However, many doctors do not prescribe them because they don’t actually cure the flu, but only shorten the time period.

The best way to protect against the flu is by washing hands. The virus spreads through contact with contaminated objects, followed by touching the mouth, nose or eyes. Lisa Pappas, the Health and Wellness Center’s nurse manager, also advised students to cough into their sleeves rather than their hands, to stay at least six feet away from someone who is coughing, and to wear a plain surgical mask when caring for someone sick.

“If they are ill with flu-like symptoms, I advise them to stay at home and not go to class or leave the room to socialize until they’re fever-free for 24 hours without medication,” Pappas said. “Overall, major symptoms may last up to seven days.”

   Researchers at Mount Sinai Health System in New York, New York have been trying to fabricate a universal flu vaccine. The shot would protect against all flu varieties for several years at a time. However, this invention is still some years away.

   The Center for Disease Control has reported that the number of new flu-related infections is decreasing from week to week.

  The Health and Wellness Center, located at 3003 North Charles Street near Homewood apartments, offers flu vaccinations, by walk-in or appointment. Cost is $20 but free for those on the Hopkins insurance plan. Credit card, J-Card, and cash are accepted, or students can bill their accounts.

        In addition to this, there will be a flu clinic at the Rubenstein Technology Room located on the atrium level of Brody Learning Commons on Feb. 4 from 4-7 p.m.