Covering Your Health: Flu Rates/Vaccination Rates | Local | kadn.com – KADN

LAFAYETTE, La. (KADN) Believe it or not, the flu thrives when people refuse to get vaccinated. The latest data shows this direct correlation and Louisiana still leads the nation in hospitalizations.

It's a trend that only gets better if we get the shot. But why get the shot?

I've been tracking the latest influenza data and I found an interesting trend when it comes to the vaccine.

First, a quick review on this year's vaccine. It contains four strains and 75% of what we are seeing is this strain - H1N1. Patients with H1N1 tend to have higher hospitalization. The vaccine is especially recommended for elderly and chronically ill patients, as well as the caregivers and their contacts.

Some states have better vaccination rates than others. First, the national average for vaccination is about 47%. Not surprisingly, the states with the lowest vaccination rates have the highest rates of influenza.

Now, for those who are curious, Louisiana is No. 41 at 41% and Mississippi No. 45 at 39%.

Now, let's review the most common discussions I have with patients regarding the flu vaccine.

"I took the shot and it gave me the flu."

It does not contain an intact influenza virus. It cannot give you the flu. Finally, there are hundreds of other flu-like viruses floating around and it could easily be one of those.

"But I took the vaccine and I still tested positive for influenza."

The vaccine contains the four most common predicted strains for the year. It could be another strain. Also, we measure effectiveness by the prevention of serious illness like hospitalization not prevention of the flu altogether.

And a final thought. If you haven't yet had all four strains that are currently in the flu vaccine, it's not too late to get vaccinated.

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Covering Your Health: Flu Rates/Vaccination Rates | Local | kadn.com - KADN