Flu-Strains Not Covered Well in Texas
By: Danielle Todesco
Updated: February 20, 2008
The flu hit a lot of us hard this season and now reports show flu vaccines only cover 27% of the flu virus cases in Texas.The vaccine is usually 70 to 90% effective in the United States. But clinics around town report much higher numbers in flu patients this season. The good news is that some doctors say it's finally calming down.
Dr. David Long at Lakeridge Health Center says the problem lies in the unpredictable strains of the flu.
"The virus is going to change every year. It's impossible to predict how much and which viruses we're really going to need to target for the vaccine. It's actually a testament of what an outstanding job the microbiologists do to be able to predict it when 16 out of the past 19 years they've been right on."
Dr. Long says its still a good idea to get the vaccine because it still prevents against certain flu-strains. Plus it makes some cases shorter and less severe.
