Doctors hope new flu vaccine will save lives

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) — The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says last year had the highest flu death toll in at least four decades as roughly 80,000 people died from the flu. 

According to Dr. David Schultz, “Last year was a very rough flu season because last year we had some resistant strains develop a flu and it made it more difficult to treat and not only that some of the folks that were vaccinated for flu last year didn’t have adequate immunization status when flu finally hit.”

Schultz said the CDC changed the vaccine for this year and explained there are early indications this vaccine will be much more effective than years past. 

“The A strain component was adjusted somewhat but they actually replaced the B strain that they had last year,” Schultz said. 

Schultz said vaccinations take about two weeks take effect, and since flu season starts in mid to late January, vaccinations are probably something Hoosiers should consider soon. 

The peak concentration of the flu is about three months after vaccination so October into early November is the perfect time to get your flu vaccination, Schultz said. 

If you’re over 65 years old, a stronger form of the vaccine is provided. 

Schultz said children are more contagious, and older people do not have a strong immune response against the flu. 

There are ways to avoid the flu by staying hydrated, washing you hands, and if you are sick avoid public places.