The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new data suggesting that this year’s flu shot reduces the risk of hospitalization for flu by 35% among high-risk groups. The data, published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), was gathered from five South American countries.
During the Southern Hemisphere’s flu season, which typically runs from April to September, researchers in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay looked at the effectiveness of the flu shot among high-risk individuals, such as young children, older adults, and those with underlying medical conditions. The study found that the vaccine significantly lowered the risk of hospitalization for severe respiratory illnesses caused by the flu.
Among the more than 11,700 people in these high-risk groups who were hospitalized with severe respiratory illnesses, about 3,850 tested positive for the flu, mainly for influenza A viruses. The remaining patients tested negative for flu and COVID-19, serving as a comparison group for the analysis. The researchers concluded that the flu shot reduced the risk of hospitalization by 34.5%, with even greater protection seen in adults with medical conditions.
While the effectiveness of the flu shot in the Southern Hemisphere may not always predict outcomes in the Northern Hemisphere, the data suggest that the vaccine could offer similar levels of protection in the upcoming flu season. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive the annual flu vaccine, along with practicing good hand hygiene and seeking antiviral treatments if necessary.
In addition to getting vaccinated, other measures such as regular handwashing can help prevent the spread of flu. For individuals who do contract the flu, early treatment with antiviral medications like Tamiflu can help reduce the risk of complications. It’s important to note that this article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice.
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