UP / Thumb of Michigan | hlstark - 11/19/2025 06:30
How the flu shot provides protection even with a mismatch with the current strain?
Cross-protection: The flu vaccine introduces the body to certain influenza strains, which can trigger an immune response that offers some protection against similar but different strains circulating in the community.
Reduced severity: Even if you get the flu after being vaccinated, the illness is likely to be less severe than it would have been without the vaccine.
Fewer complications: Getting a flu shot, even an imperfect one, is very effective at preventing serious complications like hospitalization and death.
Protection against multiple strains: Most flu vaccines protect against three different types of the influenza virus, and multiple strains can circulate during any given flu season.
I'm in this camp.
Its (in my opinion) just like insurance. Most of us won't use it, but we still pay the premium every year. Insurance is appreciated if its ever needed though.
The very sickest I've ever been in my life was from the flu. Had it a couple times where I was so relieved when I finally quit expelling stuff from both ends at the same time. Felt really good to breath again. Never missed a flu shot since the last incidence. Had flu since then, but never more than a 24 hr hangover version. Nothing at all like I'd experienced previously.
Many justify not getting a flu vaccination because they feel they got the flu from it. Doesn't matter that its an impossibility to correlate those two events. Back when I was a drinker, I was convinced that whiskey not only made me better looking, but also a better dancer. And that was just as true as getting flu from a flu vaccine. |
Old folks heavy duty flu shots
