Vaccine still recommended as flu season hits hard

Vaccine still recommended as flu season hits hard

Chances are if you haven't had the flu this season, you likely know someone who has. That's because over the past few weeks, the illness has run rampant throughout our area, and the surge isn't expected to let up anytime soon.

Health officials say the flu virus can change itself quickly, which is why a new vaccine is required each year. And in some seasons, like the one we're in, the vaccine isn't a great match, which reduces its effectiveness and increases its spread. Nonetheless, experts emphasize it's important to get the flu shot and take other precautions to avoid getting sick - or to minimize the impact of the virus if you do.

Megan Meller, an infection preventionist at Emplify Health by Gundersen, said this year's strain of flu is the H3N2. It isn't covered well by the vaccine because during the season, mutations take place, and those mutations allow it to evade our immunity just enough, enabling it to spread more quickly throughout the population.

"This virus is acting very similar to other influenza strains we've had previously," Meller says. "Symptoms are the same. We're not seeing any indication that they're more severe than with any other strains, which is very encouraging to see."

She adds that hasn't been an increase in complications from the flu - just its rapid spread, resulting in more cases than a typical flu season. And at least for the next couple weeks, it doesn't appear the surge will let up. That also means that, although the vaccine is less effective this year, you should still consider getting a flu shot if you haven't already.

"The vaccines are still really powerful against this virus," Meller says. "You can get vaccinated, and you might still get sick with this influenza strain, but the vaccine does a really great job at reducing your risk of hospitalization or other severe complications."

There are also things you can do every day to reduce your odds of getting sick. Wash your hands, cover your cough, stay home when sick and simply do your best to keep your germs to yourself.

To get a flu shot, call the Emplify Health by Gundersen Onalaska Clinicvaccine clinic for an appointment at (608) 782-7300 or visit Emplify Health by Gundersen pharmaciesfor a walk-in appointment.