[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by GoodLife

This year's flu strain is H3N2, which is an especially virulent strain. This years vaccine is only about 32% effective against this strain.

Most people in California and nationwide are catching a strain of influenza known as H3N2, which the flu vaccine typically doesn’t work as well against. National health officials say the vaccine might only be about 32% effective this year, which could be contributing to the high number of people falling ill.
H3N2 is also a particularly dangerous strain of the flu, experts say.

“It tends to cause more deaths and more hospitalizations than the other strains,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, L.A. County’s interim health officer.

Severe flu brings medicine shortages, packed ERs and a rising death toll in California - LA Times

I haven't had the flu or even a cold for 5-6 years. Some of my protocols may seem Howard Hughesish but they seem to work. Knocking on wood now.

1. Always get the flu shot, I do it early but its not too late, peak flu season is February.

2. I don't fly this time of year, unless it is absolutely unavoidable. Sitting for hours in an airtight aluminum cylinder with coughing sneezing etc not advisable.

3. Do not eat out much this time of year, usually only takeout. Prefer my own plates and utensils. Restaurant workers are prone to work while sick, they have no choice usually.

4. When returning to home from anywhere including supermarket, mail station, golf, etc wash hands thoroughly. Average person touches their face 2-3000 times per day, anything you touch could bring a pathogen.

Good luck!

I think you take out the little viruses that people who have handled your food have.

Having just been released from the hospital with a collapsed lung and having to see my doctor for a follow up, I called and said that I was sitting outside in the car and when it was my turn I would come in and go to the examining room. Sometimes you have to sit in the office for a long time with sick folks.