The Motley Fool Discussion Boards

Previous Page

Health & Fitness / Health and Nutrition


Subject:  Re: Flu vax?? Date:  1/9/2013  5:38 AM
Author:  VeeEnn Number:  38171 of 41521

I don't understand. They are telling us that this year the vaccine targets the right virus. But then they tell us we are having far more flu cases than usual.

In addition to the relatively limited numbers getting their flu shots, even when predictiions on the strain of flu bugs thaat're likely to be going around are accurate not everyone who gets a shot mounts an adequate immune response. That's why immunisation programmes have to be part of a widespread public health measure in order to be that a high "herd" immunity protects those who can't or don't get their shots and also those who do but who're still compromised. Lots of immunised people walking around means a smaller chance of being coughed on by someone contagious.