PEORIA (25News Now) – Health experts are encouraging Central Illinois residents to get their flu shot now as a new variant of the H1N1 virus is contributing to an earlier-than-usual flu season in other parts of the country.
While flu cases are already increasing in several western states, doctors said Central Illinois has not seen that same rise.
“We’re not seeing high levels really at all, any cases in Central Illinois,” said Dr. Douglas Kasper, section head of infectious diseases at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria.
“Getting the vaccine now gives the person the necessary two to three weeks needed to build up the immune response so that as we get closer to holidays, travel and congregating, people can be as best protected as possible.”
Doctors said the dominant H1N1 strain circulating this season has a new mutation that was not included when this year’s flu vaccine was selected earlier this year. However, Kasper said that does not mean the vaccine is ineffective.
“Influenza virus changes year to year,” Kasper said. “The vaccine doesn’t have to be perfect, so minor changes in influenza will still yield some immune response. The available influenza vaccines would still provide a substantial benefit to the population.”
Kasper said health officials expect flu activity in Central Illinois to increase as temperatures cool and more people start spending time indoors and traveling for the holidays.
Doctors also remind people that while no flu vaccine is 100% effective, vaccination can help lower the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. They encourage anyone with questions about which vaccine is right for them to speak with their healthcare provider.
Comments