Faulty flu vaccine to blame for legions of sick

LYNN – This season’s widespread outbreak of the flu has resulted in sickly patients packing doctor’s offices and clinics seeking relief from their hacking coughs and aching bodies.The high number of cases can be attributed to this year’s three-strain flu shot formula, which turned out to only be a good match for roughly 40 percent of flu viruses making the rounds this season.Adding to the misery, about 5 percent of all flu virus cases tested were found to be resistant to antiviral drugs, leaving officials scrambling for ways to create a more effective version of next year’s flu shot.At the Lynn Community Health Center, Joyce Reen, nurse manager of the Walk-In Department said an increase in influenza and influenza-like illnesses have been reported.”The pediatric department has seen a higher than normal increase in the flu, with high fevers, vomiting, coughing, diarrhea and other symptoms,” she said. “We’ve also seen a higher instance of viral infections in adults.”According to the Department of Public Health, 5 to 20 percent of the population contracts the flu annually, with more than 200,000 people hospitalized from complications of the flu, and approximately 36,000 people who die from the flu.The Northeast region has reported around 500 confirmed cases of the flu this season, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported an outbreak in 44 states.Over 500 flu shots were administered this year at local clinics, according to Director of the Public Health Department MaryAnn O’Connor.”Even if you do get the shot, you may not be protected from another strain of the illness,” she said. “So there’s really nothing that you can do aside from taking preventative actions.”Reen said this year’s flu shot was targeted toward a strain of the Hong Kong flu, however, that strain turned out to be opposite of what people were actually infected with.”Every year we report to the state what types of flu people were infected with, and then they determine what the strain will be for the flu shot,” she said. “But it’s really a crapshoot, and they always hope that they get it right.”The contagious respiratory illness is spread through airborne droplets from sneezing or coughing, and can be contained by frequently washing hands with soap and water after coughing or sneezing to ward off germs, as well as cleaning objects that are touched often, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.And of course, if you’re sick, stay at home and don’t go to work, school, or other places where people congregate, such as shopping malls, to avoid spreading the disease.Those with weak immune systems or chronic illnesses, and people with children under the age of 6 months, should also avoid crowded places during times of increased flu activity.If children do become infected, Reen said they should remain hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.”Young children sometimes have to get intravenous therapy (IV) because they get so dehydrated, and kids often lose weight because they lose their appetite when they get sick,” she said. “But they also rebound pretty quickly too.”