This year’s flu vaccine not as effective as anticipated

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If you got your flu shot this year, don’t be surprised if you still get sick.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the  virus in the U.S. has mutated, meaning this year’s vaccine won’t provide much protection.

The flu virus samples taken from Oct. 1 through Nov. 22 didn’t match the flu strains in this year’s vaccine.

This means fighting the flu virus might be tougher in 2014 than in previous years.

The CDC still recommends getting vaccinated. The reason is the shot provides cross-protection that could lessen the effects of the virus.

The University of Georgia’s Health Center offers flu shots to students for $15 and non-students for $20. The UHC has administered more than 2,000 doses of this year’s flu vaccine.

Aside from getting a flu shot, the UHC encourages people to:

  • Wash your hands with soap or hand sanitizer.
  • Don’t touch your face, eyes or mouth unless your hands are clean.
  • Avoid contact with an infected person.

To schedule an appointment for a flu shot, contact the UHC at 706-542-5575.

Reported by Morgan Weeks

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