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Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calga...firmed-cases-in-alberta-this-season-1.2871775
H3N2 flu strain seen in majority of confirmed cases in Alberta this season
Flu vaccine may not be as effective as hoped against H3N2 flu strain, suggest AHS statistics
CBC News Posted: Dec 12, 2014 4:41 PM MT Last Updated: Dec 12, 2014 4:41 PM MT
Although it's still too early to tell, statistics from Alberta Health Services (AHS) suggest the 2014 vaccine may not be as effective as hoped against this year's most prominent influenza strain.
Of the 924 confirmed cases in Alberta so far this season, 818 of them are H3N2 strain.
"If it's not as protective as other years. It certainly means we're at risk of seeing higher volumes of cases," said Dr. Edward Lee, who works at the Alberta Children's Hospital emergency room.
He says influenza season hit Calgary early this year and a lot of people are going to be sick this Christmas.
Lee says even though the flu shot doesn't guarantee against H3N2, the vaccination will still protect you from the other strains of the influenza virus...
H3N2 flu strain seen in majority of confirmed cases in Alberta this season
Flu vaccine may not be as effective as hoped against H3N2 flu strain, suggest AHS statistics
CBC News Posted: Dec 12, 2014 4:41 PM MT Last Updated: Dec 12, 2014 4:41 PM MT
Although it's still too early to tell, statistics from Alberta Health Services (AHS) suggest the 2014 vaccine may not be as effective as hoped against this year's most prominent influenza strain.
Of the 924 confirmed cases in Alberta so far this season, 818 of them are H3N2 strain.
"If it's not as protective as other years. It certainly means we're at risk of seeing higher volumes of cases," said Dr. Edward Lee, who works at the Alberta Children's Hospital emergency room.
He says influenza season hit Calgary early this year and a lot of people are going to be sick this Christmas.
Lee says even though the flu shot doesn't guarantee against H3N2, the vaccination will still protect you from the other strains of the influenza virus...