Reports show flu vaccine won't be effective

It's peak flu season Here's what you need to know

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It's that time of the year when the flu starts going viral. And this year, Dr. Fauci and the co-authors of the perspective believe this flu season could be one of the rougher ones. If you were wondering how bad this year's flu season will be, experts are warning that it might be unsafe. The vaccine in Australia has the same composition as the vaccine used in the United States.

North Carolina reported two new flu-related deaths of the season Thursday, bringing the state's total to five deaths since October. Flu vaccines must be matched each year to the strains that will likely be circulating this year, but when different strains are active, the vaccine won't be as effective. Even though our vaccine is the same as Australia's, it's still recommended to get a flu shot.

According to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine, the flu vaccine used in Australia, that's pretty much the same as the one in the US, was only ten percent effective.

The vaccine now being administered to Americans uses the same formulation.

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The vaccines do have other benefits and can protect against other deadly flu strains, and this year, we might need all the help we can get. It is the best way to prevent developing flu-related disease. However, Reuters reports the life-saving drug must undergo years of clinical trials before it could be accessible to the general public.

If you get sick, look out for severe aches and pains in your muscles and joints, notable fatigue and weakness, headaches and a high fever. "We're not saying it's a great vaccine", Bregier said.

"However imperfect, though, current influenza vaccines remain a valuable public health tool, and it is always better to get vaccinated than not to get vaccinated", the paper said. Dr. Fauci also tells Bustlethat people can lower their risk of catching the flu this winter by practicing proper hygiene, and washing their hands frequently. It can cause serious complications or illness for those with chronic conditions, and healthy individuals are just as likely to catch the flu virus.

If you do end up getting the flu, doctors we spoke to suggest taking Tamiflu or Relenza; both can shorten the time that you're sick.

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