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If someone goes to the trouble of getting themselves a flu jab they might, unsurprisingly, assume that their efforts would be rewarded by them escaping full blown flu. Well, apparently they would be under a misapprehension because the latest flu jab, according to the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention offers absolutely no protection against 60% of the flu viruses that are currently infecting people in the USA. A rather startling figure suggests that flu jabs are becoming increasingly insignificant. In typical years a flu jab will protect against between 70%-90% of viruses…this year it is only 40%.

The main reason for this alarming figure is a ‘surprise’ strain which, as well as not being catered for in the flu immunizations is also resistant to vaccines. This strain has been thriving and is responsible for the majority of the USA's lab-confirmed influenza cases.

Dr. Joe Bresee, Head of Influenza Epidemiology, CDC, said that every area of the United States is currently experiencing major outbreaks of flu, but that it was too early to know whether this year will go down in the records as one of the worst outbreaks. Last week 31 states in had reported widespread flu activity, this week the number of States has risen significantly, to 44. Since September 10 children have died as a result of the flu virus though scientists have urged that this is an average figure for this time of year.

Scientists are shocked at how badly the flu vaccines have performed this year. Usually predictions on what type of influenza virus strains will be prevalent pretty much hit the mark, and the vaccines, when successful, do offer significant protection. In 16 of the last 19 flu seasons the flu vaccines have performed well, and as expected. The World Health Organization says that the flu jabs given this year should be completely different from the season that has just gone and that the problems encountered this year should be met with a complete overhaul of the flu vaccination process.